Banana Lesson

A homeless man J-walked across the street we were driving on so I slowed down to let him pass and as he walked in front of our van I felt the Holy Spirit whisper "stop and give to him." 

 I really struggle sometimes with what to give, how much to give, who do I know is the right ones to give to... We work really hard to pay our mortgage, our car bills, buy our kids clothes and shoes, put food on the table, pay our water and electric bills, etc. And sometimes the very human side of me thinks "Why can't this very capable looking person work for themselves just like we do?" Or "Sorry, bro, I have kids to feed. They're my priority." Or "How do I know you're ACTUALLY needy and not just freeloading? I don't want to be taken advantage of." Or "How do I know you're not going to go spend the money I would give you on alcohol or drugs?" 

So instead of burying my head in the sand acting like I don't see them, I try to ask the Lord when we see those people on the corners and streets "Yes or no, God?" And do my best to put my own impositions aside and be obedient to His answer.

One time this guy asked me for money when I was pumping gas. Back then we didn't have kids and had a lot more disposable money. I gave him $20. Right or wrong, I immediately felt dismayed. Like I should've just bought him food or water because he could go spend that on God knows what and that sucks.

But today my spirit leapt with compassion for this man. What was preached in church this past Sunday ran through my head. It was like God was giving me a very real chance to put into practice what we learned:

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." 

 Matthew 25:35-36

"...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did for me."  Matthew 25:40

I had a bunch of bananas in the front seat next to me. I rolled down my window, called out to him, and ripped a couple off for him.  He said thank you, I smiled, and we all went on our way.  I drove away with the opportunity to explain to little Copelynn what we just did. 

Through teary eyes I told her when we see hungry people, we feed them. When we see thirsty people, we give them what we have. When we see needy people, we help them. Because that what Jesus did. And that is who we are. Period. 

I want her to see Jesus, not my opinions or jaded view of people. I have lived a lot more life and had a lot more years to let harsh realities skew my view of people. But, today seeing things through a little 3 year old's precious eyes had me crying in the car. I hope she always see's people like Jesus does and doesn't let life leave her jaded and selfish.

And THAT is what it is all about. Getting out of the way and showing people and our kids Jesus in practical ways. 

And now she wants to give every single person walking around everything we have. Gotta love it. 

I really do love it. Thank you Jesus for this simple little lesson today. My heart is renewed to child-like faith all the time by these precious gifts you've given us to teach, guide, and raise.