His “roof” is the sky. His “walls” are his blankets and tarp. His “heater” is a metal grate that belches out foul-smelling, pneumonia-inducing steam. Three days ago his backpack (with all of his worldly possessions) was stolen, and he is left with the clothes he is wearing.
A few months ago he was laid off from the job where he had been working for over a year. The pay wasn’t great, but the work was pleasant and it kept a roof over his head. He remembers that time especially on the cold nights. Unfortunately, the search for a new job has come up empty.
He has no family to turn to, no network to hold him up. His friends are on the street with problems of their own: addiction, mental illness, despair, broken families and relationships. He eats once a day when the Salvation Army food wagon stops near his “house”. Sometimes he gets up and walks the 20 blocks to the place where they serve breakfast.
With his mouth full of the hot dog we had just given him, he smiles at us and says, “thank you.” Then he begins to list the things he is thankful for: people who care enough to bring him food and clothes, his friends, warm places to go during the day, shoes with no holes in them, medical care when he gets sick, hope for the future, a friendly smile, a kind word, a country where he can make his own way, and Jesus who never abandons him.
The man I just told you about is one I have seen many times. He wears many faces. The color of his skin is often different. Sometimes he speaks fluent English. Sometimes he’s difficult to understand. Yet I have learned a valuable lesson from him – always be thankful. No matter how bad things get, there is always something we can find in our lives to stir up gratitude in our hearts.
Gratitude is the enemy of despair. Thankfulness gives us the power to press on.
May every day be your Thanksgiving Day.
God’s grace to you,
Steve Jennings
We have been seeing the same for over 30 years now. Isn’t it a shame that everyone doesn’t feel as blessed. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.