There are three shopping days left before Christmas. And as the nightly news shows scenes of crowded malls and packed highways my thoughts fall on a homeless man that my mom and I encountered on the way to Michigan to spend Thanksgiving with my dad.
We were driving through Indianapolis and the GPS got us turned around and we began heading south instead of north. At the first exit we got off in order to get back on the interstate heading in the right direction. We happened to be the first vehicle stopped at the stoplight at the end of the exit ramp. Standing there at the intersection was a homeless man. He was missing his right leg and using crutches. He held a sign that said "Homeless and Hungry". Instinctively, mom and I reached to lock the doors. But the man looked so sad. He looked beat down, worn out. It was at that instant that I knew that the GPS was not at fault for our wrong turn. We were sent in that direction by God. I felt it in my heart and so did my mom. I began scrounging through our purses so that we could give something to this man. If we had been staying in Indianapolis I think we might have invited him to Thanksgiving dinner. However, we had to settle for the seven dollars that I had in my wallet. Mom rolled down her window, handed him the money and he said "God bless you and have a happy Thanksgiving". Behind my sunglasses, I began to cry.
During this busy time of year I pray that everyone remembers what Christmas is truly about. It is a Christian holiday but it is not about being Christian. God GAVE us His only child not only so we could be forgiven for our sins but also because He loved us. It is the GIVING that is important. So this Christmas I ask that everyone, employed or not, give to those you care about and those in need.
