This Week God Brought Us... "Jessie"

This week God brought us…”Jessie”, who arrived at the door without shoes.  He set a few belongings down in the entryway and then came in to ask for clothing, especially shoes.  We had a regular volunteer in the building that afternoon helping to sort through the many donations we receive.  She asked him what items and what sizes he needed and then went to check our supplies.  While she looked, Jessie wandered around the building.  It quickly became apparent that Jessie was under the influence of some substance, his behavior nervous and agitated.  He had open sores on this calf and scratches on his face.  If I had to guess, I would say Jessie was in his late 20s or early 30s, with buzz cut hair and a slight build.  He was never aggressive or inappropriate, but it was a challenge to keep track of him while also attending to other clients in the lobby.  Our volunteer came back with some items for him to consider, among them a decent pair of hiking-style boots in his size, which Jessie approved of, declaring “these are sick!”, going into our bathroom to change out old socks for new ones and try on his new boots.  When he emerged, he gathered up his things, but took only a few of the articles of clothing we had offered.  Then he grabbed a full-size poster in Spanish advertising services for our Immigration clients and asked if he could have it (no, but hey, at least he asked).  Jessie left us in new shoes to whatever life holds for him in our shared city.  His request was simple, we did what we could, and he seemed happy with that. 

The Holy Spirit sent us Jessie to remind us that small things done in kindness are never lost.