"The greatest among you will be your servant." -- Matthew 23:11
Kevin loved life . . . so much that he started every morning with a prayer of thanksgiving. Wednesday’s were his favorite - Mom would fix a special meal to celebrate the week being half over. The food was delicious of course, but it was the time to reconnect with the most important people in his life that he enjoyed the most.
Several weeks ago Kevin started his own personal mission in the nearby park. Tonight he had been tempted to have a second helping, but the leftovers sat on the car seat beside him along with a piece of homemade apple pie and a Thermos of coffee.
He could’ve volunteered at the soup kitchen – but he preferred the personal interaction. He remembered Frank - who had been on his own since he was thirteen, earning a few bucks collecting returnable bottles. Betty’s husband died long ago and her children had moved to another city. Beth was addicted to crack cocaine; Bud to alcohol; Lance to his own loneliness.
When he arrived at the park, he saw a ragged woman sitting on the park bench alone. A dark wool cap covered her matted, graying hair; all her worldly possessions filled several tattered bags nearby. Kevin approached somewhat cautiously.
"Good evening, ma'am," Kevin said, warmly. "I’ve got some dinner. Would you like to join me?"
The woman stared at the food. She was starving, having not eaten since last night's scraps from Arby’s dumpster. She nodded approvingly and Kevin served her food and a steaming cup of coffee. He watched as she ate. The God of love was clearly working through him.
When she finished, Kevin placed a twenty dollar bill into her gnarled palm. "May God bless you richly, ma'am," he said softly. "Thanks for giving me the honor of sharing my dinner with you."
And with that, Kevin picked up his dishes and returned home.
She had remained in the city, purposefully out of sight, so as not to embarrass him. He had grown to be a wonderful young man. Today, she had longed to tell him who she was, but couldn’t muster the courage. Instead she thanked God that He had so richly blessed her today, in spite of her trials.
She had dinner with her son this day - and he loved the mother he never knew.
Lord of all Creation, thank you for warm hearts and humble souls. Use our hands and our minds to make your Kingdom come. When we long for things beyond our grasp, remind us of the countless blessings you provide every second of every day. Amen.
