Mystery Man

      People have so much power to influence and effect each other. The way you look at someone, the words you speak, your body language... all of it can really impact a person to feel loved or unloved, important or unoticed, valued or not good enough.

I was significantly influenced by a gentleman on the streets the other night.
The way he treated me, the words he spoke to me, the way he listened to me... I knew I was incredibly valued.

He stood tall with a quiet dignity, bushy beard gone wild covering his whole face, kind eyes poking out beneath his hat.

There was something about him that struck me, he had a safety and simple peace he seemed to carry. A mystery. I enjoyed his presence as I searched to find him a pair of pants, we small talked.

He smiled looked at me and asked " so, tell me how long you have been a Christian".

He easily leaned in to hear my answer genuinly interested.

After my short story, I asked him the same question.

He instantly drew me in with his words.

 He spoke of picking up the bible and reading the gospel of luke one day, and just knowing deep in his heart it was the word of God.

He described the burden he did not know he was carrying until it was lifted from his shoulders, when he realized Christ took it for him.

The rv revved up, with a tip of the hat, an encouraging word to me in my walk with God he went back into the night.

Sometimes I am sure Jesus is revealing himself through people,  this was one of those times.

Frigid cold night, absolutely chilling to the bone, wind sweeping the streets with snow dust, tiny flakes twirling around my head.

Each person we found seemed all the more vulnerable. Each with watery eyes, bright red faces, shaking, struggling to keep warm. Small bundles in corners, on sidewalks burrowing in sleeping bags…

It was heart wrenching tonight, though there were not nearly as many people as normal, still far to many individuals we found were alone in the cold.

An elderly woman really captured me tonight. Sitting atop a heating vent, a massive tarp threatened to carry her off as it billowed around her, two tiny legs poking out. Her person coming into view, beautiful toothless smile, soft hair around her face, kind engaging eyes.

Her attitude  was light hearted and upbeat, as she laughed about what she must look like to passerbys. She was so appreciative and showed such intentionality in her speech as she thanked us. She talked freely and at ease as if we were old friends.

How humbling for me, a person who is quick to complain when it is cold, and let grumpiness and complaining take over when I am not comfortable.

I am  struck by the attitude , kindness, and friendship I am shown by people on the streets. People who I would think have every right to be upset, frustrated, and angry for being in that situation instead seem to be surviving with humility. I am being taught.

Please pray for those who for whatever reason are finding themselves out in this cold weather alone right now.