GIFTS

It was a few days before Christmas, and she was focused on grocery shopping. With tunnel-vision efficiency, she moved through the aisles with husband in tow, filling the basket and marking items from her list. Her pace was deliberate in anticipation of finally completing all that needed to be done for the holiday.

As she rounded the corner in produce and entered the dairy section near the salad bar buffet, a gentleman caught her attention. She became suspicious. Even in her haste to finish shopping, she posted up obscurely to observe while her husband went for bread. From her vantage point, she could tell he was needy. His clothes were worn, and his appearance disheveled.

The gentleman lingered, occasionally examining a package of cheese then placing it back on the shelf. He scanned the area as he wandered in the vicinity of the buffet. Carefully, he moved closer, picked up a small sausage and placed it in his pocket. Slowly, he began moving toward the exit.

By now her husband had returned. As she described the scene to him, her contempt turned to compassion. She was never one to approach complete strangers, much less someone this desperate. Yet she was overwhelmed, and her heart burned to reach out to this poor man.

Frantically, she and her husband managed to pool a small amount of cash. She worked her way through the crowded store toward the gentleman as he approached the exit. She was able to stop him and gently place the money in his hand. “Merry Christmas,” she said. He looked her in the eye and thanked her sincerely, clearly touched by what she had done. She wanted to do more, but he vanished into the crowd.

God presents opportunities for us to serve Him. We are called to step outside our comfort zone to do His work. During these days leading to Easter, take a moment to reflect on where God needs you.

— Wally Barnes

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist