Change

Standing in line at Wal-mart with 2 anxious and tired children can sure put a damper on the trip all together. We had just filled our buggy with groceries and a little nonsense, so we knew it would be a while before we were all checked out. I had my debit card ready to pay without even questioning if I could afford it or not. What a luxury huh? I was able to buy food for my children without a second thought. Bella wanted cookies, and Gavin wanted bananas. I could give them those things. As I stood in line, completely tuning the kids out, I noticed a man. He was a simple looking man who didn't seem to ask for much. He held a ten dollar bill clutched tightly in his hand while he watched as his items were being rung up. He bought hamburger meat, a loaf of bread, and 3 candy bars. He seemed tired because he was slumped against the checkout counter like he just couldn't hold himself up very much longer. As I tried not to make eye contact, I noticed his shoes. They were black sneakers and completely worn out. I watched him anxiously await the total as he switched the money from hand to hand. My kids were loud, but he gave them a shy smile anyway. It melted my heart, and my eyes filled up with tears. I began to imagine what kind of life this man may live - He was hardworking, but under appreciated. He didn't have much money, but he made sure to surprise his family members with a candy bar each. He would give up everything he had just to make sure his family had everything they wanted. Would he? I don't know this man...maybe he isn't any of the things I made him out to be. I hadn't even met this man. He is just a man... Right? Sometimes I wonder what difference I could actually make...and why place so much worry on a person that I have never met. A person at Wal-mart...or a person standing on a street corner holding a sign "will work for food". FOOD...not money. Can I do something to change that. Can you?

Maybe I am too sensitive, maybe I over think things, maybe that man wasn't any of those things. Maybe... But maybe he was, and maybe I CAN change the world. I wanted to give that man my groceries...a hug....some shoes. He needed a kind word in his life. I wanted to give that to him and tell him "everything's going to be okay". I wasn't able to do those things for that man for I will think of him often, but I am able to pray for him. God has blessed our family. We don't have to spend our last $10 on 3 items just to make it through the week. I will pray for that simple man with worn out shoes. I will pray that my children always feel the need to pray for people they have never met. I will pray that I can make a difference in the world somehow. I will pray and give thanks. Thank you God for my family, Thank you.

I am glad I went to Wal-Mart today.