The unknown

A few weeks ago, Shelly and I went to one of our favorite hole-in-the-wall grills up town Charlotte for some grub to devour. You know me, if were heading up town, I'm gonna have my trusty camera by my side ready to get any kind of shot that might appear before me. This was one of those hazy days that got up to 100 degrees or better so I wasn't really seeing anything jump out at me but hey.... this is the digital days so why not get a few shots to see how they turn out. As I was snapping this shot here.... I walked back to my truck to put my camera up when I heard Shelly call my name. Out of my peripheral vision, I noticed a middle aged man come up to me. At this moment there are several things going through my mind.... is he going to try something... or try to rob from me or beg for money. None of the above believe it or not. First of all- when people walk up to you like this.... you don't know if they have a weapon or what they might try to do... esp. since Shelly was there with me... my first and foremost thought was to keep her safe and be on guard just in case.. So I proceeded to listen to this guy while checking my surroundings at the same time. You never know what kind of BS someone is giving you or what kind of prank they might try. Anyhoo, the guy went on and said he was looking for work so he could eat. I begin to tell him I didn't have any work but if he was hungry- I would be more than happy to buy him something to eat. Usually thugs try to hound you for money but his reply actually shocked me. He said he would love that but wandered if I would go to a grocery store and get him a pack of ham so it would last longer. Still in a little shock I told him I would do that if he would stay put. He then said he would like that but nobody never comes back. Coincidentally, we were parked in a parking lot at some burrito grill. I was about to drive off but wondered if he would stand true to his word and then decided to just get him something there. We walked in and I said get what you want.... one chicken burrito w/ fries and a coke coming up... As I was about to walk out- I look over at this fella and said are you going to be OK..... with a gentle answer he just said.... thank ya buddy and gave me a light tap on the arm. When I walked out of that restaurant, I felt something I haven't felt in a long time and that was the feeling of helping some one when they really need help. In this world of craziness and madness....I believe there are some people out there that are sincere. Why else would he have accepted my offer to eat. If not then he just got me for a chicken burrito....... big deal. The part that got me was when he said he was hungry and Shelly and I just walked out of a restaurant with our belly's full... and this guy showed me he had lost a lot of weight from the heat. To this day I often think about that fella... he was wearing blue jeans and an orange T shirt. The way he said thank you and me wishing I could look back into the past to see what he really has went through is a mystery I may not ever figure out. One thing is for sure though.... he got his belly full even if it was only for a moment. Who knows, I may never see this guy again but I do know this... I am very proud of myself for buying him some food. Many people would run because of discomfort from a stranger. Then again...he may not be a stranger. Think about it. For my hungry friend out there..... I hope and pray you are safe and you find your way in life. When you do maybe we can have lunch... because If you are sincere.... I would love to catch up with you and try to understand what you went through. Until then my friend.

Passage Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.