In Service

On my return train ride from downtown Atlanta, after enjoying a basketball game with a friend, I encountered God.

Photographer: Daniel Roizer.  Photo retrieved from https://unsplash.com/.

I first noticed the young man about five stops into my trip.  He sat on the floor near the train car doors in an upward fetal position.  Throughout the ride his face remained buried in the palms of his hands.  Clearly, he was burdened.

The clothes he wore were gray and dingy.  He did not wear a coat.  His sandals revealed dry and cracking skin on his feet.  The temperature in Atlanta tonight is below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

Nestled in front of him was a shallow pillowcase that held his belongings.  As I took inventory of the man, his appearance, and his worldly possessions, I also took notice of his extreme desperation.   And suddenly, I was moved with compassion not only for this gentleman but also for the working mother returning home after a late shift who sat a couple rows down from me, and also for the young man suffering with a mental illness.

I said to myself, "Lord, if I had the money I would hand everyone on this train $1,000 each to help them toward their goals." And as swiftly as He always seems to respond, I heard Him say, "Why don't you start with what you've got."

I had $20 in my pocket.  My friend who attended the basketball game with me had paid me back in cash.  As I neared my final destination, I mustered up a little more courage after each train stop.  With about 45 seconds left until the train arrived at my station, I gently tapped the man on his shoulder.  As he lifted his head toward me, I slid the cash into his hand.  He said, "Thank you ma'am."  With about 30 seconds left until the end of my ride, I stood facing the train doors with my back towards the gentleman.  I heard him say, "Oh, wow!"  And then he yelled, "I mean it..."  I turned and looked at his teary eyes.  He said, "... from the bottom of my heart - thank you."  I replied, "No problem", and departed the train.

If I had more, I would have given it to him.

For the first time in a long time I didn't give out of guilt, but out of compassion.  I gave and I didn't really care what the man would do with the money.  I gave because the Holy Spirit filled me with a measure of brotherly love for him.  I pray that no matter the amount or mode - that is time, talent, or treasure - that I will give when my only compulsion is to exhibit Christ here on earth.