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Every year we look back and ask ourselves, ‘where has the year gone?’   Of course, for some it couldn’t end soon enough. Still, if you are honest, you will admit there were missed opportunities, failed projects and generally, something that you wish would have turned out differently.

I am in a season of transition, so, this year has been a difficult maneuver.  Yes, I missed some opportunities and slacked on some projects.  However, I also forged new ground and enjoyed new experiences.  I think I will celebrate the things I completed rather than morn those things that had to end. I will charge full force into my transition and look forward to the work, surprises and rewards awaiting me.

I will not write a laundry list of TTDs (things to do) for the coming year.  Instead, I will narrow my focus on those things that matter most right now.  Next, I will lay ground for those things I want to achieve in the future. 

I won’t overwhelm my spirit with my shortcomings but I will adjust my spiritual focus to laser those things that have been hanging on for a long time as the opportunity arises. 

I will not obsess over weight gain or loss.  I will embrace good health and practice it as a natural part of my total well-being.  Like bathing and dressing, eating and exercising should be a matter of chosing the best products and incorporating them into my lifestyle.  So, while I do have a plan for 2009, I will look forward to it as a new birth rather than a overwhelming reconstruction.   

Please enjoy safe celebrations because I would love to see you next year.

I wish everyone a New Year that exceeds your expectations! 

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Yesterday, while out doing errands, I decided to stop at my favorite seafood spot.  I haven’t frequented it much lately because ownership changed and so did some of the menu items that I loved. 

I pulled up into the parking lot and noticed a poorly dressed man sitting on the curb of one of the handicap parking spots.  He called out something to me and I knew he wanted some money. My first feeling was mild irritation but I quickly felt my empty jacket pockets for some loose change.  Nothing rattled and I was rather pleased thinking at least I had tried to help. 

After buying oysters and scallops to go, I left the restaurant and headed back to my car.  Seeing the man again, I decided to give him a small handout. As I handed him the money he thanked me and began to tell me where he lived which happened to be near me and that he had been kicked out on Christmas Eve by some woman.  I didn’t understand if she was wife or friend. 

He said he was sitting there because he had hurt his back and it was difficult for him to  get to the bus stop several blocks away.  In a spontaneous decision, I offered to take him home. 

We are living in a time of crime and mistrust and I would never recommend anyone pick up a stranger.  A quick prayer and I weighed the dangers, trusted my instincts that this man was not dangerous.  He could barely rise from the curb and he wasn’t faking the pain on his face with nearly every move.  Besides, he was a very thin, five feet tall…I think I could hold my own.

I secured my purse and my food on the floor in back of my seat and after watching him slowly maneuver himself into the car, we took off.  I

I found out on the drive to his street that he was staying at an abandoned home near where he was kicked out.  He said he cleaned out the garbage; he has a blanket and a sleeping bag.  He is certified in heating and cooling.  Also, he has a tenuous connection with a local church that is very active in the community.

He named a few people from the church and said he gets work from them if he is sober.  I asked why he doesn’t stay sober.  He responded that he only ‘feels’ better with drinks.  I told him that he felt even better when he wasn’t drinking but he doesn’t remember.

Then a strange thing happened the man began to tell me that I was right.  He recounted his extensive bible study; then, he told me he remembered a time when he felt the spirit of God touch him.  He said he yearned for that again but didn’t know how to get there because that was a feeling better than anything in his life.

By then, we arrived at the corner gas station where he wanted to stop for water so the conversation ended.  He thanked me again and slowly exited the car.  I made a mental note to pray for him.

Reviewing my actions, in a world gone crazy, I know I took a risk picking up a stranger.  Then, I thought of earlier times when people would help strangers and these are my questions. 

In today’s world, how should Christians proceed when a stranger is in need?  What do you pray before you reach out?  Have you become so paranoid about ’stranger danger’ that you miss opportunities to perform small acts of kindness? Are Christians become so fearful of the world that “trust in the Lord with all your heart” has become cliche?

If you just liked this post, please sign up to receive updates by RSS or your inbox and leave your comments. Please keep your comments valid to the posts.  You can also reach me at onewizeone@yahoo.com. I will reply to you.  If you have a blog leave a link back so others can visit your site as well.