A Need Met...

While waiting for some food at a nearby fast-food restaurant, not one of the more well-known chains in the area, in fact, it is not a franchise at all, but rather a small, privately owned establishment with a unique specialty in its fare, I noticed an African-American poorly dressed and waiting for his order. He wore inexpensive, dirty pants, a wrinkled t-shirt, and a pair of boots with the bottom sole not completely attached to the shoe. This was a cold, winter day and like everyone, he was cold from having been outside. Unlike the others in the restaurant, with their warm jackets and coats, this gentleman did not have a coat and was wearing only a T-shirt.

He was also having some difficulty comprehending the money exchange and the expected order for food. He referred to a piece of paper that apparently someone had given him, but his reading ability was negligible. He obviously had some learning disabilities and was very uncomfortable ordering the necessary items. At the same time, he was shaking both from the cold and from nervousness. But he was also intent on his task to make sure he did it well and came out with the correct food. I glanced outside to see a lady obviously waiting for him as she sat behind the wheel of an old tan vehicle.

Inside the small waiting area were a nice looking couple and two other men either waiting for their food or about to order. The nice looking couple were dressed warmly with conservative but nice clothes and showed signs of attention to detail and self-respect in that their appearance included clean pants, fairly new shoes, and a perceptive awareness of their surroundings and the people in the room. They were pleasant, friendly, and patient.

The man with the piece of paper in his hands received his food and showed the cashier his list to make sure he had received everything correctly. While he did this, the other man removed his jacket and said, "You know, I don't need this jacket anymore and I bet it would fit you perfectly." He then took it off, placed it around the other man and left with a big smile on his face. I looked at the couple in amazement as they got in their car and drove off. The man with the "new" coat looked around the room and said, "They gave me a coat and I didn't even ask for it." He then said, "I had one but it was all torn up so I had to throw it away. This will help me not to be cold." He had a big grin on his face, left the restaurant, went to his car, and left with the food and a coat on his back.

As I reflect on this incident, I realize that the man who gave the coat recognized a need and met it without grandeur, without expectations, and without affirmation of the good deed. He gave freely and got nothing in return. Perhaps this is the greatest expression of love we can offer. To give and expect nothing in return. God gave us His love and His grace freely and that love continues to be given. Our method of demonstrating that love is to extend it, feed it, let it grow, and demonstrate it at every opportunity.