APRIL 2017 -
It came as simple text message: “You walking today?”
I smiled and responded in the affirmative immediately, and about a half-hour later my buddy Tim was standing in my doorway. It was time for a walk.
We took one of my usual routes, talking about a book I’m reading, catching up on our kids, talking about school and sermons and the tragic loss of a friend. Along the way, I kept my eyes open for my requisite picture of the day, and I knew I had found it when we stumbled upon two cans of chicken broth standing on a white-painted brick wall. The broth was a gift, thoughtfully placed in plain sight for a hungry homeless man or woman to take. This was definitely Instagram worthy. We finished our walk, talked in the parking lot a few minutes longer, before Tim and his son had to be on their way. While we talked, I felt the nudge that can only be the Holy Spirit. “Pray with them.” We talked more. “You need to pray with them.” A third time, I heard that voice, and that time, I said it out loud. “Let me pray for y’all before you go.” The resulting prayer wasn’t particularly eloquent, but definitely sincere. As they drove a way, I kicked myself for not taking their picture. THAT should have been the picture: Brothers in Christ walking, praying together. But, as I posted the picture of the cans of broth, I realized I had the right photo. The broth reminded me of Matthew 25: “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” I didn’t need to take that picture of my walking buddies. Stopping to take a picture would have interrupted the conversation. Investing time in one another was far more important. Besides, I have two pictures from the day: A screen shot of the text message and two cans of broth. They are unusual, but perfect illustrations and reminders that the most important person in the world is the person right in front of you. The most important moment in the world is the one you are in right now. What we do in that moment for that person is a life changer. We will either communicate caring or selfishness, and we won’t get a second chance. Jesus said that when you minister to your brothers and sisters, you are ministering to God himself. You can’t really capture that in an Instagram post. The truth is, I feel like I talked way too much and listened too little. Maybe. Maybe not. Sometimes when you’re hurting, trying to process just-received tragic news, it’s easier to listen than to talk about it. I hope that was the case. The fact that we encountered the makings of chicken soup on the route is just plain cool. This was a time when a friend needed comfort and healing, and there’s nothing like a bowl of chicken soup, and the company of good friends, to warm you up from the inside out.
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