My journey to the streets included a glimpse of a friendship I never wanted to take for granted, especially when this person offered me wisdom for walking out my life journey.
I was driving my car from a spot after visiting some of my homeless friends near downtown, and I hoped to find someone else to talk with before going home.
I drove down a street next to a restaurant where patrons ate outside, and to my left on the walkway, a towering tree of an older man (not homeless, but out and about walking a lot) caught my attention, and I rolled my window down. “Hey there. What are you up to? It’s great to see your smile.”
He wavered in his stance and halted his gait, throwing both arms outstretched. “Hi, there.”
Since I was barely moving, I turned my car into the alley, stopped, and jumped from the seat, running to meet my friend.
He glanced down at me from the treetops, that space where tall people breathe. He asked. “Where are you going?”
“I’m going the same way you are. Do you need a ride?”
“I could use one tonight.” “Get in. I’ll take you home.” In seconds, we drove almost a mile to the house where he lives, where I’ve never gone inside, and where others reside. “So, I suppose I’m dropping you off at the same corner as before?”
“That’s right. That’s the street corner past the funeral home.”
On the way, we chatted about his age, and I learned of his car wreck from the 70’s and his love for an old Cadillac back in the day. He told me about the scar running down his neck. But we also spent a few minutes visiting about our hope in Jesus, of that joy in knowing we’ll spend eternity with Christ.
I slowed at the stop sign, a cross-way of sorts. Having no idea what house he’d walk to, I teased him. “I suppose you’re saving my life by not letting me take you home.”
“This is a rough neighborhood. You are better here than there.”
“I appreciate that. Be careful, yourself.” “It’s not far. These legs don’t move like they should. Thanks for the ride.”
“ You’re welcome. See you soon, my friend.”
After unfolding himself from the car, he added, while peeking in at me. “When I had the wreck—I didn’t see the car coming, and it hit my driver’s door. Keep watch, Ms. Pam; you never know what’s coming.”
“I’ll keep watch. I’ll be careful.”
Today, when I think of his words, ‘ You never know what’s coming,’ my friend’s warning reminds me that life matters and that I should point others toward Christ.
We get busy attending this event, running an errand, shopping, or keeping the appointment, but the best way to use our time during our outings is to notice the tall people in our midst, or the short, or the lost, or the lonely, or the one who needs Christ.
That day with my friend reminds me that today’s ride, wherever it takes you, is a gift. If you’re off to work, look around. If you’re running to the store, look up. If you’re headed to the doctor, look beside you. If you’re going to the park, look the other way.
There’s always someone who could use a few minutes of your friendship, who also might need to know Jesus sees them and would stop to pick them up when a load of life comes crashing in from all angles. He loves you like no one else and is the friend and Savior you can rely on and who you can take to your house! No need to drop Him off at the corner!
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