After finishing 2 Etsy orders, getting the kitchen cleaned up, and working on a little laundry, I headed out to run 2 errands. I needed to run by the Dollar Store & Target. The lists were short, but I was too excited about Target, and completely forgot about my Dollar Store needs! After leaving Target, I decided that I wanted to make Hibachi for lunch.
Confession: I LOVE Hibachi!
So, I ran to Kroger just around the corner. I wasn't planning to go there, but I knew we had no zucchini at home, so Kroger it was.
When I entered the shopping center, and took a left into the Kroger parking lot, I noticed a family sitting on the side of the road. It caught my eye, because it wasn't just an adult with a sign for help. There were 4 people, and 2 of them were kids. I remember what I thought, and I am completely ashamed that it was what went through my brain.
"Come on, as if standing there doesn't make us feel bad
enough, now you bring your kids. Way to win the
best guilt trip award. I will make sure to leave the
parking lot at the other exit, so I don't have to look
them in the eye."
I went into Kroger, got the few groceries I needed, and thought nothing else about it. When I left, I completely forgot about this family, as I was wrapped up in my own world. I came to a stop beside them at the stop sign, and my eyes met the kids. One boy, one girl, and both looked old enough to be in school. I smiled and waved. They waved back. As I began to drive off, it hit me... it is 12:30, and these kids are sitting solemnly with their parents. It is lunch. They haven't had lunch.
By this point, I was very hungry. Notice I made no mention of myself eating breakfast above? I didn't, as I completely forgot to feed myself. My stomach was growling, and I knew I still had 15 mins of prep and cooking ahead of me. I was hungry, BUT... something told me to ignore it.
I left Kroger, and went to McDonalds. I picked up 2 Happy Meals. One with Nuggets, one with a cheeseburger. One with Yogurt, one with fries. One with a girl toy, one with a boy. I ordered a #2, which comes with 2 cheeseburgers, fries, and 2 drinks. The kids had Apple Juice, the adults had sweet tea, and I got some waters too.
I drove back to Kroger, praying the whole time that the family was there, and I wouldn't get stuck with all of this food. I pulled up in the parking lot, and as I got out of the car, the father approached. I asked "Have they had lunch yet?" He responded "no", with a look of shame. I reached in the car and held out Happy Meals for the kids. They ran to me faster than I ever expected. They took them over to a tree, almost ripped the boxes apart, and began eating as fast as they could. The father said "Bless you." I reached back in the car, and handed him the bag with the cheeseburgers and fries, and the drink holder. He began to cry, and said "thank you, god bless you." at least 3 times. I said "You are very welcome" and I got back into my car. As I drove away, they all waved, and all of them were eating like they hadn't eaten in days.
The point of this post is NOT to get a pat on the back. I am not looking for credit, or to brag about a good deed. The point is to remind you that sometimes, those people on the side of the road really do need help. For years, my skepticism has gotten the best of me. I drive past these people, and think nothing else about them. I do not often keep cash on me, and I always feel guilty for not helping. Occasionally, Abbie and I will pray for them, but that is where it ends. Something pushed me to help today, and I fully believe that it was God. I think God provided for that family through me. I wasn't even planning to go to Kroger today.
Yes, there are facilities and programs in place to help those who aren't as fortunate, but sometimes they do not know how to use them. Sometimes they do not qualify for them. Sometimes they simply don't want to face the music. It doesn't matter why they need help. If you can help, find the generosity in your heart and help. Handing them money isn't the only option. Ask what they need. Give them a blanket, a toothbrush, and a bar of soap. Give them a meal. Give them your time, and treat them like humans, because they are. Don't do it for an "attagirl", do it because it is what's right.
I am so thankful that I went to Kroger today. I have been hungry many times, but I do not truly know hunger. I have prayed for that family all day today. I prayed that they would find dinner. I prayed that they had a place to sleep tonight. I prayed that they didn't get dehydrated standing in the heat.
I would want the same.
And I will not roll my eyes and think the thoughts I did about another person again.
There is always going to be someone who abuses things, but they aren't all abusing. SO HELP! Be His hands and feet, and bless someone who needs it.
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