The New Guy in Town

The New Guy in Town

I see a lot of people on the street. I go downtown every Thursday night to feed the homeless. Last Thursday I was doing my usual drop off of clothing to the clothes closet before  we served dinner when I met “John”. A new face on the street. He helped me bring in the bags of clothing. He thanked me for how I was helping and then sat down in a chair and picked up a cup of coffee. We started to chat. “I am not homeless” he said. “I have a place to sleep.”

That is all he can manage right now. He lost his job. Second one. Can’t catch a break yet he seemed peaceful. He was also hungry.

He told of the meal he had the night before at the soup kitchen. The soup is made with the leftovers donated from the area restaurants downtown. It tasted OK but looked like pig slop to him. The whole experience reminded him about the bible story of the prodigal son. How he got so low that he was eating pig slop. The son got up and went home to the open arms of his father.

“John” sees a different Father. His Father is running out to meet him too. Arms open wide and smiling. “Johns” Father is working through people like me. I bring the best I can in food and clothing. It depends on what people like you give me.  I have open arms to give hugs. I smile when I look at them. I bring hope. God size hope.

I had had a very hectic day that Thursday. Driving to Atlanta at rush hour with day old bread and used clothing wasn’t peaceful. The drive back was different. I had brought hope to John. I left more peaceful. I hope I don’t see John next Thursday. I pray he got a job. But I am thankful for the encounter with him.

God used John remind me that I have peace too. Continuous peace regardless of what’s happening all around me and to me. The kind only God can give.