An open road lies ahead of me. It's liberating yet still a little scary no matter how many times I do it. I departed the safe haven of Nashville this morning and flew to my childhood home of Denver. One of my favorite past-times is to be a tourist in my own hometown, so that was my mission today. The friend I'm staying with will not get off work until 5:30 and that left me with hours to explore. However, I did not get far with my huge backpack...
After taking the public bus to downtown I wondered a few blocks looking for the right coffee shop to retreat to until 5:30. As I walked I encountered various people asking for donations for this or that non-profit. Glimpes of my self reflected in storeshop windows revealed how silly I looked with my monsterous bag and I realized I was yet again homeless with my belongings on my back. Shuffling down Larimer Street I could see a good cafe, however there was another donation-asking guy standing between me and my goal. Even though my shoulders where whining under the weight of the pack, I listened with eye contact as the guy explained his predicament. He said he's selling a paper that helps raise awareness about homelessness and poverty and the proceeds of the sale ($1) go to help people like him that are struggleing and out of money. I tried to listen with an open heart not sure of what do to. After his speal, the question came, "Would you like to help me out?" And in my mix of fatigue and not sure how I could honestly be a help what came out of my mouth was a flat "no" and an attempt at saying I wish him the best of luck or something lame like that. As soon as the word left my mouth I felt like someone punched me in the stomache. The reality was, I lied to him. Everything in me wanted to help him. I live to help others now. It's my heart, it's God's heart. c o m p a s s i o n.
In my awkwardness I retreated into the shelter of the cafe and had time to think about the situation as I waited in line for coffee. I felt aweful. Sure you can't help everyone (I'd already turned down a few), but it's my heart's desire to help... somehow. I dug around in my bag and found a couple of snack bars and some money. Little hope-prayers went up that when I went
outside he would still be there. Sure enough, he was.... I apologized for lying to him and explained that it truely is my desire to ... help. He gave me the paper in exchange for the money and snacks and smiled as he walked off. Although I felt a little better, I wish there was someway to do more sometimes, you know? My encounters with people are brief as I travel, but I do pray that that guy would come to know the greatest HOPE and source of LIFE in Jesus.Writing to you from The Market on Larimer Square...
