Once again I’ve witnessed the amazing way in which Father guides and directs us all in doing Her will. Today a man named Waverly entered my life. I was outside the building I work at on a break and making a quick call when I noticed a man walk up to two co-workers that were standing not far from me. He asked one for a cigarette and she handed it to him at which point he sat down to smoke it. He was carrying a backpack, two canvas bags and a small round igloo cooler which he used to sit upon. It was obvious he was homeless.
Even from where I was standing I could see that he had a kind face and a beautiful smile. I felt motivated within my heart to sit nearby, and I was able to hear him talking and giving thanks and praise to our heavenly Father. At some point he took from one of his bags, a Bible, and said “This… this is my protection.”
My heart leapt within my chest. This man wasn’t hopeless or discontent at all. His faith was solid. He was happy. And, he was humble… giving all of creation to Father where it belongs when he said he was thankful for all that Father provided him with right down to the shirt on his back.
Waverly gave a snapshot of his life as he spoke, telling us about being a cook in the Army during Vietnam, working for the airlines in Chicago and installing and refinishing hardwood floors. He also added that he was happy, because even without a roof over his head he was better off now than he was in the past, and he had faith that Father would provide and he knew that he was not alone.
When the other two coworkers had to leave (one giving him leftovers of her lunch and the other what change he had in his pocket) I stayed behind. Waverly showed me what he was reading in the Word and turned to a page in Exodus. This led us to have a short conversation about the Israelites being homeless as they wandered the wilderness, and how each of us who are not of this world are essentially homeless as well.
Because our directive from Christ to bring hope to the homeless was on the forefront of my mind, I spoke with him about things he might need and how our ministry via Arks of Safe Haven might be able to help him. I could tell that he was reluctant to ask for help but did accept the help that was offered. Before we parted ways I asked him if I might be able to pray with him and he took off his hat and bowed his head. I put my arm around him and we prayed together there in the alley. For those few moments I felt Father’s Spirit strongly within me and Her love for this man filled my heart while tears filled my eyes.
As pondered our meeting I realized that Waverly brought me far more than I could have hoped to bring him. If I brought Father glory at all, he brought glory to Father seven fold via his faith, contentedness and humility even amidst the tribulation of being without a roof over his head and a place to call home.
In my book, this is a man to look up to and I don’t know if Waverly will ever know the impact he made on my life today, but I pray that Father bless this man and that one day, Father willing, that we meet again in the Kingdom.
Through this man, I was humbled and via this experience Father helped me to realize the deeper meanings of the Way. She showed me how truly blessed and fortunate I am in so many ways and I can’t help but feel guilty for not fully and more completely realizing it before now. While I was grateful before, now my gratitude is increased immeasurably and I seek forgiveness for my own ignorance.
I set out to do Father’s will in helping one of Her children and instead She helped me via that child. It’s so deep and complex and yet at the same time incredibly simple – so much so that I know it was Father working amidst us. It’s almost unimaginable and yet so perfect that I recognize it as Father’s work. She never ceases to amaze me. While I provided this man nourishment for his vessel, he provided me nourishment for my soul and I pray with every fiber of my body and molecule of energy that I am, that I was or will be able to return to him what he brought to me today.
Please Father, help me to shine Your light brightly – as brightly as I saw Your light shining in Waverly, and may You continue to be his protection and he Your child. Amen.