Yesterday Debbie and I stopped for an ice cream cone after running some errands around town. We decided to sit outside and enjoy the fresh breeze of a late summer day. We took a few minutes to "people watch" while we enjoyed our cool snack. All around us people were busy working and shopping. Some were browsing through books in a nearby bookstore while others worked out at a modern gym. Across the street ladies shopped for new clothes at a trendy boutique. Others shopped for art a tiny frame shop. At a nearby table a group of college students were chatting while eating a late lunch. Everyone seemed content. Then we saw him. An older man patiently sitting alone at a corner table. He had no food not even a drink. He sat there nervously watching all of the outdoor diners. He patiently sat there alone. Then when the group of college girls finished their lunch they left their half-eaten entrees behind on the table. He jumped to his feet and sat down. Quickly devouring every leftover bite. He searched the cups to see if even a sip remained of their soft drinks. He finished by eating the picked-over remains of a small side salad. The frantic speed at which he ate clearly showed the hunger pains he felt in his stomach. I was humbled as I finished up my unnecessary ice cream cone.
Living in a developing country we see our share of poverty. Even some of the children around our church are certainly malnourished. Not a day goes by when we don't see someone begging on a street corner. Yet, watching this man was especially eye-opening to me. I was left pondering how much we waste everyday. I realized once again that I need to be thankful for every blessing that I have in my life. Perhaps I have let my heart grow hard to those around me in need.
Should we help the poor? Is it our responsibility? Several verses come to mind: "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again." (Proverbs 19:17) "...It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35) "For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command
thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy
poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." (Deuteronomy 15:11) Perhaps most importantly we should remember the words of Christ. "...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:31)
Lord help me to be thankful for what I have. Help me to have wisdom in knowing how to help those in need all around me.
