I was making another quick trip to the grocery store today, to pick up some bread and milk. It was just starting to get dark out and I saw a woman standing at the garbage can just outside the entrance door. It looked like she was looking at papers or something from what I could make out, in the diminishing light. However, when I got closer what I saw broke my heart. I realize that we live in an area of great poverty and that alone is sad, but this took things to new level of low. When I got closer to the garbage can I realized the woman was picking through the cigarette butts in the ashtray on top of the receptacle. Now, I am not completely naïve to think that people don't do this. Generally speaking, I don't run into them while they are doing this. I am not sure if I kept my face neutral when I saw her. I hope I did. She suddenly glanced up at me as I got closer, realizing she was not alone. She looked embarrassed and said "Hello." to me. I said "Hello" to her. In her hand were used cigarette butts of various sizes. She quickly stuffed them into her worn out winter coat pocket. I went the rest of the way into the store and grabbed a cart. I turned to glance back and she was back at the ashtray again. As I was walking through the produce section I saw her come into the store. I could see her better in the light. Her blond hair was limp and stuck to her head. Her coat and pants had seen much better days. I watched as she made her way to the deli and placed an order for a sandwich. Up until that moment I was wondering if I should buy her some food, but obviously she had money of some sort since she was able to place an order for food. Perhaps she only had public assistance. That would be my guess since she was foraging through the ashtray. How I wished I could have helped her, but I really didn't know how. She didn't need food. She wanted cigarettes. Who knows maybe the ashtray finds weren't even for her. But....my heart was sad. What she really needs is Jesus. A chance meeting at the grocery store doesn't make that happen. Should I have bought her some cigarettes and invited her to church? I don't know. I have been over and over it in my head. So I prayed. In all actuality that is the absolute best thing I can do for her. God was looking down on her tonight. He knew she was digging in the ashtray. He was not surprised like me. She is His child. He must be hurting for her so much more than me.
Tonight when I spend my time in prayer with God, she will be there in the midst of them.
If you make a quick trip to the store tonight, keep your heart and your eyes open. There may be someone God wants you to pray for today.
Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
No comments:
Post a Comment