Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Stranger


(Click image for source)

Quiet and alone sat a young gentleman at the table in a fast food restaurant. He might have been in the age bracket between 30 and 40. He did not say a word to anyone while he was there, although he glanced around several times noticing others who would happen to be staring his direction. His hair clearly showed that he was well over sue for a haircut. His complexion was ruddy and his clothes...even though it was over 100* degrees outside were bulky and layered as if this was all he owned. He carried around a worn backpack with who knows what in it. After several minutes he quietly arose from his seat and exited the building. He left nothing at the table that would let you know he had even been there.

Through the window you could see the man slowly walking around the parking lot. He never approached anyone or any vehicles, he simply nodded his head in polite acknowledgement of anyone that passed by him. I noticed however, that no one would bother to acknowledge him though. He made his way over to the unused steps at the far corner of the building and just sat there...alone and in silence.

As I sat there, I began to wonder who this man might be. He obviously was someones son, but who was he really? What was he thinking as he watched the people glare at him? What was going through his mind as he sat on those steps? Did he have a place to lay his head tonight? Thoughts raced through my mind about this person. On the outside he looked worn, rough and tired. But what was going on in the inside? Was he really just a gentle giant that longed to have someone show him a bit of kindness instead of walking on the other side of the pavement to avoid having any contact with him?

Has there ever been in a time in your life when you were made to feel like you just didn't fit the image everyone else thought you should? Have you felt the uneasiness of eyes watching you from afar, yet no one dare to get close enough to you? Have you ever just needed a bit compassion or care from another human being but it was never offered? I know I have, and believe me those times do not make you feel too god. Now can you imagine living with those type of feelings on a daily basis? Everyday you just long for someone....anyone to give you the time of day. If only someone would simply look you in the eyes and ask how are you and truly care enough to hear your reply. Although I do not know this particular stranger's personal story, you could see the loneliness in his eyes and in his countenance.

Everyday of our lives there is someone somewhere that we might encounter that has a need. It may be the need of encouragement, the need of someone who would just smile at them, the need for a hug, the need for a shoulder to cry on. There are so many needs that we all have and I realize that we can't fulfill every one of them for another individual but we can at least do something. Wouldn't it be a great thing if we all woke up every morning and asked the LORD place someone in our path that we can minister to in whatever way we can? Better yet, is when HE does bring that person to us, we are softened enough in our heart and in our spirit to realize it and hear what the Holy Spirit would led us to do....and then we take that great step of obedience and do whatever it is that we have been called to do. Oh how wonderful that would be.

As I headed out to my vehicle, I made it a point to walk out of my way to where the gentleman was and looked him in the face as I greeted him with a smile and told him to have a nice evening. It wasn't much, but the smile on his face said that it really meant something to him.

2 comments:

Farming On Faith said...

I enjoyed reading this.
I hope you are staying cool. We have been over 100 degree heat index for over a week. I have been working inside for sure!
Have a lovely day!
Carrie

christschild said...

That was so nice of you. I try to do the same things when I see people in that situation. I know they are still God's creation and they need kindness and prayers too. Thank you for the kind person you are.
Blessings,
Elizabeth