“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”

On my way to a volunteer training for Easter Sunday service, I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of another homeless Joe (see DAY 83). The world has a backward view of the homeless. Many times we see them as somehow less than us, less than worthy, and less than human. What is the truth? They are human beings. Their fate could and can at any moment be ours.  Don’t dismiss them as not important. I am always amazed at humility and honesty (only because it such a rarity), today’s Joe was not ashamed to talk about his past.  He told my brother and I down to the day when he was saved by God from alcoholism and drugs. He was grateful (yes, even on the said of the road) for what God had done and was even now doing.
My brother gave much of what was in his wallet (my brother is a financial analyst he doesn’t just give money away). Joe said, “Praise God and thank you for your kindness.” Then, he did something amazing! He blessed us! “May God Bless you and take care of you.” Tears are coming down my face as I write this. Why? Joe (who needs to be blessed) chose to bless us. He chose to ask God to take care of us.  I can’t express this enough, but what a person has (or doesn’t have) does NOT determine the person’s worth. Don’t be so quick to toss someone aside because they don’t fit society’s standards of “worthy.” Joe was a veteran who fought for the safety that you and I enjoy. He doesn’t have much, but he used what he had to bless my brother and I. Our encounter with Joe today reminded me of this: “Do not be afraid to [show kindness] to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).

So what am I thankful for today? I am thankful for Joe and his blessing.