3.15

"Live in such a way that men may recognize that you have been with Jesus and have learned of Him." Spurgeon

When I asked if you would like a bite to eat, I really meant can I hear your story. I wanted to know your name, pastimes, interests, skills, experiences and tell you about myself in return. You had been living safely, saving your money instead of joining your friends in Vegas as they squandered their share away. You worked regular blue collared jobs, in construction, hospitality, and the like because you never got the chance to go to college. You liked that I was a college student and encouraged me to continue my studies. You thought things were alright but then somewhere along the way you lost your job and found yourself here by coincidence.

Now you hop between distant relatives and the streets looking for a place to rest your head. You were shivering and said that the weather always bothered you, it makes you not want to be active. I told you that the weather was going to be much better this week and that I was looking forward to it because I was from Arizona. You've been in Arizona, and you said the weather was nice. But I saw the worry and anxiety in your tired eyes. Hunger was always the immediate problem because you never knew when you would be able to relieve it. It was easier to get food in the suburbs you said, the city was too crowded. You told me that it was hard to put aside your pride to find a meal and that the struggle wasn't just in the surroundings. You said: "I'm a different egg in the basket," and that you had never really met anyone like yourself before. Then you apologized for not being coherent all the time because you weren't all there. You kept repeating to yourself that you hadn't really accomplished anything despite your age and that you hope opportunities will turn up.

Thank you. You told me that it had been awhile since you got to talk to anyone, that people just come and go with the occasional conversation of maybe three minutes. I'm truly grateful for the time you gave me and for the conversation we had. I can only pray that my words gave you at least some warmth and comfort. Dave, I'd like to speak to you again, or at the very least, lend you my ear.