I stood on the corner with a bearded man, his face worn, but he was smiling. He has experienced many stages in his life, from the known to the unknown, and now lives on the street. But his joy at receiving a few hand warmers and a fresh blanket was apparent. I discovered he and I lived i n California simultaneously many years ago. And we’re the same age.
His face lit up, and despite the temperature outside, it transcended our hearts to a season of warm memories when we were both much younger.
He told me of his many motorcycle trips and the highways he rode. They were the same roads I traveled while living in California.
So we reminisced and chatted about where life was leading him. He shook his head at choices, at wrong turns. And I shared some of my missteps.
Our chat would bring us to the ‘present moment” (in Texas, where we spoke of how God says, “I am the Bread of Life. How He is the Light of the World. How He is the Way and the Truth. And how He is enough.”
You know, sometimes we walk the same roads with one another and never meet (1975-1981). But at the right time, the Lord can bring two people together at the same spot a zillion years later. To a moment in time where we (both) could find strength in knowing God is with us and for us.
My friend told me, “Some of my best days were riding my motorcycle back in the day. I miss those rides.”
Like you, I have fond memories of California, including the warm weather, beachside, and beautiful surroundings.
My friend tugged on his coat, pulling it tighter around his chest. “We could use some of that warm weather here in Texas.”
“No doubt. It is freezing out here.” “Well, you better go. I don’t want to keep you.” “I’m good. Tell me about one of your trips on that bike.”
He settled in with the details of a story, of a memory that captured me, and his words were like an ocean breeze across my heart. It was like he had told no one that memory in years.
He wiped his face like men do when they don’t want you to see them cry. But it didn’t matter, for I wept with him. His story stirred up some of my broken steps (road trips), which included enduring losing a friend to murder, facing cancer, and living through a divorce.
“Are you okay, Ms. Pam?” “Yes, when I think of the grace the Lord has given me, I often weep at His love for me. I don’t want to forget that.”
“Me, either. He’s been good to me.” As we hung by the corner, it was as if the Lord knew I needed to meet Larry, and maybe Larry needed to meet me—so we could create a fresh memory as we spoke of God, mercy, love, and grace. So we could tell that story to someone—someday! On yet another street corner!
Today, look around; on the streets are people like you and me, often alone, wandering, and needing a friend. Take a moment. Say hello. Move closer. Listen to them. Offer kindness on purpose. Stay a while and sit. And find a life that matters. Bring a smile of hope for someone and point them to the road of life with Christ.
