Today on my way to church I stopped at the light on PCH and Crenshaw. A man on the corner of the street caught my eye. He was one of those sign-holders that advertise a sale or promotion.
It was also really hot outside and I felt bad for the guy. I've seen him out there before on weeks past and I can't imagine how difficult it must be to wave at people all day in the hot sun. Talk about boring, strenuous, and toilsome!
I really wanted to just get him a drink or something!
BUT it was 1:26pm and service starts at 1:30pm. And I was about 10 minutes away from church. In other words, I was running late haha.
I sat in the car staring at the red light, trying to decide what I wanted to do.
Should I be late to church and help this guy out? Should I just hurry and go to church? Will he be there when I'm heading back home? Maybe I can help him then. What would Jesus do? AhHhHHhH!
...
I ended up going to church instead.
AFTER church though, HE WAS STILL THERE! YES!
This is the view from my car when I spotted him LOL. At this point, I felt the tugging conviction on my heart to approach the man. I needed to do it!
So I went to the Walgreens across the street and purchased two wanna-be Arizona Iced Teas.
I then went to the street corner directly across from him and waited for the signal to change so I could cross the street and get to him.
During this time, I prayed because I was really nervous.
And MY GOD he was TOUGH.
The man did NOT want to make conversation and he was totally not wanting the drinks I got him! He pointed at a large drink he had apparently purchased from the Jack in the Box across the street (DRAT!)
But I was persistent.
I badgered him a little more, asking him to accept it because I had gotten it just for him!
I told him how it was over 80 degrees, asked him how long he had been out there, how much longer he was going to be out there, etc. I wanted to show him that someone cared.
At this point, he opened up a little more and told me that he's there on the weekends and that he's been doing it for a few weeks now. Usually from 1-6pm. He also told me his name was Don.
He told me about how some people would flick him off when he waved at them. Others would just ignore him completely after looking at him. Clearly, this bothered him :\ Poor man.
After a little more small talk, he told me that he couldn't talk too much because if his boss drives by and sees him not waving at people, he'll get whooped.
I tried to get a picture of him but he kind of shied away and said "No pictures". So I kind of felt bad. But here he is anyway. Don, in all his glory.
Though disappointed that I didn't get to pray for the man or at least encourage him in some way, I walked away knowing that he was thankful because he ended up accepting both drinks and told me thanks :D
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Today I learned that not everyone is going to greet with you kisses and hugs just because you do something nice for them. Some of them might be suspicious, guarded, annoyed, or even feel undeserving. They may even be cold and rude to you.
But I remember that I'm not doing this so I can receive love. Be it from whomever I show love to, or all the people reading this.
I'm doing this because God first loved me, and because I love God back. And God loves all people, so I try to also.
I hope Don felt loved today.
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