Don’t we all?
Fresh out of the 7/Eleven’s car wash, I was drying my truck as a man approached. From the looks of him, he had no car, no clean clothes and no money.
There are times when I feel generous and there are other times when I just don’t want to be bothered. This was one of those “don’t want to be bothered” times. My only thought was: “I hope he doesn’t ask me for any money.” He didn’t.
He came and sat on the curb and said: “That’s a very pretty truck.” He was ragged, but he had an air of dignity about him. I said: “Thanks,” and continued wiping.
He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened, I asked him if he needed any help.” I was sure that he would say: “Yes.”
His answer took me completely by surprise. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing from this man but an out-stretched, grimy hand. I asked: “Do you need any help?” And he replied: “Don’t we all?”
Those three words rang in my ear: “Don’t we all?” No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished you still need help, too. And no matter how little you have, no matter how weighed down you are with problems, even without money you can give help. Even if it’s just a compliment or a smile, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone who appears to have it all, but is waiting on you to give him something, something he desperately needs. Perhaps it is a different perspective on life or the glimpse at something beautiful.
Maybe that man was just a “down-on-his luck” stranger, or maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was a messenger sent by God to minister to a soul who for the moment was too comfortable in himself. Unexpected benedictions will come as we “practice hospitality to all for thereby some people have entertained angels unawares” (Hebs. 13:2).