I'm Busy...

Recently I had a moment that really made me think about some things. I was returning a video to the video store, and as I was walking out I saw a scene that stopped me in my tracks. Across the parking lot...stood a man with a look of hope and excitement on his dirt covered face. I looked at him for a moment and then started to get in my van and go home. I was by myself and I knew Jeremy and the boys were waiting for me to get home. Instead of getting in the van, I continued to watch this man standing in the gas station parking lot. This man looked to be in his mid-60's with gray hair peeking out from underneath his hat, old docker like pants and a beat up flannel coat that covered his shoulders. In one hand he held a stack of lottery tickets and in his other hand a coin.

As I watched this man scratch frantically at these lottery tickets, his facial expressions changed dramatically. His face would go from a look of hopefulness to a look of desperation and hopelessness. I couldn't help but think about the feelings and emotions that he had in those moments. I'm sure he thought he was going to win that day. I'm pretty sure that this was not the first time he had played this game of chance. I couldn't help but feel compassion for this man. Here this man, in his mid-60's, was putting what appeared to be all his hope and faith into these seemingly worthless paper cards. I wanted to walk over to the man and just start a conversation with him. Again...I was reminded that my husband and children were waiting at home for me. I also thought about how busy I was and that I should go. I reluctantly, but steadily got into my van and headed home.

This scenario happened 2 weeks ago, and I cannot get this man out of my mind. I regret not taking the time to invest in another person's life that day. I have no clue if I would've made a difference or if the man would've even been receptive to me. The fact is...I didn't try.

I wish I would've walked over and talked to the man that day. I wish I would've told him that there is a reward and riches beyond compare that he could win. I wish I would've taken the time to share Jesus with him that day. I do not know where this man stood with Jesus, but he just looked so hopeless when he didn't win. So often we put all our faith, effort and hope in worthless and worldly things. These things are only temporary and not eternal. We, as Christians, have the winning ticket, but too often we choose not to share it. I'm guilty of this myself! I often get caught up in all the chaos that each day holds, and at the end of the day realize I missed another chance to share Jesus. Do we really love our enemies/people we don't really want to bother with? Are we troubled by the fact that these people may go to hell if they die in their sins?

I challenge each of us this day...take a moment to share Jesus with someone today. Maybe it will be the cashier at the local grocery store, a shopper at the mall, a neighbor who lives a few steps away, that person that you just really don't like or maybe a guy at the gas station that has lost all hope. Jesus Christ is the one true HOPE! Take a moment to think about what Heaven will be like. Now take a moment to think about what hell will be like. As a person with compassion for others, I want them to experience the one true God of all wonders, the King of Kings, the Great I Am, the Alpha and the Omega, the perfect sacrifice for our sins.....JESUS.