Humble...like this child

Easter 2015, our church celebrated an outdoor service in the amphitheater at the marina. The Saturday prior, my Son Garron (then 7 years old) and I were scheduled to volunteer to set up for Sunday.

On our way to the Marina, we pulled into the Lucky's parking lot to grab some snacks for breakfast. As we drove up the driveway we spotted a homeless man standing on the sidewalk. All I said was that I didn't like seeing something like that on Easter weekend. Garron didn't reply but just took a long look. As we headed to the checkout, he asked if we could buy the homeless man some food. Caught off guard, I hesitated, but quickly agreed. I told him to pick some things out for the man. He chose his food and then asked if we could buy him water, too. As we drove back down the driveway, I locked my doors and put the passenger's side window down for Garron to hand the man his bag of food and water. Garron wished him a Happy Easter. The tired elderly man looked surprised, then smiled and said, "God bless you", to Garron. As we drove away I looked into my rearview mirror and Garron, sitting his booster seat, had his head resting back on the seat, eyes closed, and hands clasped. I said nothing. After a little more than a minute, I hear, "OK Mommy, I'm done". I asked, "done what?" He said, "Praying". I asked, "Praying for what?" He answered, "I prayed that that homeless man would have nourishing food and water every day". Needless to say, I cried all the way to the Marina. When Garron asked why I was crying, all I could say was, "it makes mommy so happy to see you want to help people".

I was proud yet ashamed at the same time. Proud that I raised a kindhearted little boy but ashamed that it took his innocent and humble generosity to bring such an enormously growing epidemic to my attention. From that day on, I have been aware...more than aware of my neighbors without homes.

I had no idea what God was preparing me for, that day but now, as I diligently pray for my own 27 year old homeless and addicted son, the puzzle pieces are coming together. I know and FULLY trust, that one day soon my oldest son will be free from the chains of addiction and no longer wandering these streets, tired, alone, and hopeless. Just as I make an effort to help those in need, as I see them, I know that someone out there is doing the same for my son. This, coupled with my fierce Faith in my good good Father provides me with the most amazing peace I find difficult to describe with words so let me explain it with Jesus' words:

"I leave you peace. It is my own peace I give you. I give you peace in a different way than the world does. So don’t be troubled. Don’t be afraid." - John 14:27

~Eve

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