He seems to be having a problem. Is he one of those who recently came to our country? I wondered.
The slim young man in the wrinkled gray T-shirt and faded blue jeans stood at the counter in our local pharmacy with an energy drink and a snack, waiting to pay. He bent over the credit card machine while the clerk leaned over the counter, trying to assist. His credit card didn’t seem to work.
Next in line, I felt a nudging in my heart. Pay for his drink and snack. But I hesitated when I heard the still, small voice.
After a moment or two, the clerk came around the counter and tried to help the young man. Still, the card would not work, and still, I hesitated.
Empty-handed, the young man walked out into the excessive ninety-degree heat of the August day with his head down and shoulders slumped.
Pushing aside the energy drink and the snack the young man could have had, the clerk looked deeply into my eyes. Then she painted an invisible “G” on my forehead. I felt guilty—guilty for not helping. When she called for the next customer, I knew it was the Lord’s nudging I had felt.
Jesus said when we see someone needing shelter, food, water, or clothes, we should supply that need because we are helping Jesus. On the other hand, if we fail to help the one in need, we fail Jesus.
My cheeks burned in shame. I was guilty. I had failed the Lord. He opened a door for me to share His love, and I didn’t walk through.
“Forgive me, Lord,” I cried. “Help me love others as You love me.”
Watch for doors the Lord opens to share His love. And be quick to walk through.
Southern born and from the foothills of the North Carolina mountains, Mary Emma Tisinger now calls the flatlands of Delaware home. Her poetry and other writings have appeared in various publications and books. Just released is I Did Not Want to Let You Go: A Widow’s Walk with God (Carpenter’s Son Publishing), and coming soon, Eli’s Choice, for children ages three to seven. Mary can be reached at maryemmat@verizon.net.