BLESSED...

Why do we wait until Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter roll around to reflect on the blessings we've been given?  Shouldn't we reflect daily?  After all, each morning that we take a breath is a blessing, isn't it?  Okay, so some of us have it better than others...

This morning when I stopped at the United States Post Office in Jackson, MS, I met a man named O'Neill.  O'Neill is homeless.  He wore tennis shoes with no toes in them.  He had on an old, faded black leather jacket, short dreadlocks, knit hat, and old, worn-out khakis.  O'Neill asked me for some change, to which I replied I didn't have any - and I didn't (not on me anyway). 

I got the mail from our box and I walked back out to my car.  My thoughts were still with O'Neill.  I knew he was going to be asked to leave the post office pretty soon.  I also knew that my decision to help O'Neill was going to have to be one of faith; my initial thoughts were that he would use any money I gave him to buy cigarettes or alcohol or drugs.   But who am I to judge?  For all I know he could've walked to McDonald's and gotten himself a hot meal!  My responsibility was to help my brother in need. 

I took $3 from my wallet and I walked back inside to where O'Neill was sitting.  I asked his name and I handed him the $3.  Then I asked him if I could pray for him.  He said that was ok.  I also asked if I could put my hand on his arm; he said his shoulder was hurting but that it was also okay.  So I prayed for O'Neill and left.

I've been thinking about O'Neill since then...can't get him out of my head.  I don't know where he'll sleep or what he'll eat.  Even if he did get some breakfast this morning, where is he going to eat for lunch and for supper?  Will he be warm enough to sleep peacefully?  Will he be safe?  Keep in mind, O'Neill is not a young person - he's probably in his late 40's or early 50's.  But he is a broken man and there was a sense of pride (mixed with shame) when he held his head up as we prayed.  I will trust the Lord to keep his hand on O'Neill throughout this day and for the coming days.

In the meantime, we don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to appreciate our very many blessings.  We don't have to wait for Christmas.  We don't have to wait for anything!  Everyday is a blessing and we need to share our "wealth" of time, money, and resources to help those less fortunate than us. 

If you find yourself feeling less-than-fulfilled this holiday season - use the resources below to find and help one of the Jackson area shelters in feeding, clothing, and/or caring for the men and women using their facilities.  God will receive the glory, our fellow brothers and sisters will be blessed, and you will find a great joy in serving others.

Case Management Housing Support Services (601)355-8634
748 N. President Street
Jackson, MS 39202

Stewpot Community Services (601)353-2759
1100 W. Capitol Street
Jackson, MS 39203

Gateway Rescue Mission (601)353-5864
328 S. Gallatin Street
Jackson, MS 39207

Hinds County Human Resource Agency (601)923-1775
258 Maddox Road
Jackson, MS 39212

God bless you and yours this Thanksgiving season!