Day 1178

Good morning!  My name is Lauren my name is Lauren and I'm a grateful recovering, alcoholic/addict.  Today I have a story for you.  We had our potluck last Friday, where we raise money to donate to a local food bank.  We grilled out hot dogs and hamburgers, and charged $5 a plate for the funds to go to our donation total.  At the end of the day there were some leftovers, some hamburgers and a couple hot dogs.  I asked around to see if anyone wanted any, and after anyone else that wanted some took some, I took the rest home.  I was supposed to be meeting a friend in Peoria that I hadn’t seen in a few years by the Civic Center so I told her I would park across the street and meet her there.  I did and I waited.  While I waited, I saw an older man with a half filled garbage bag walking around.  His face was dirt covered.  It looked like he hadn’t taken a showed in a while,  I watched him for a minute.  Then I saw him peer into the garbage can.  Then his whole head went in.  He must be looking for food.  My heart sank into my stomach. I had probably 9 hamburgers sitting to my right, while this man is searching through garbage cans for his dinner.  I gathered some courage and opened my car door and walked around the corner to find him looking in another garbage can.  At first my words didn’t want to come out, but then they did.
“Sir, you look hungry.  We had a potluck at work today, and I have some extra food in my car.  Would you like a hamburger?” 
“Yes, ma’am, that would be great!”  He said. 
He turned to follow me to my car.  I asked what his name was and he said Ray, even though the name on his coat said Matt.  I told him my name was Lauren.  He then proceeded to tell me he lived here on the streets.  I told him I would be praying for him.  We got to my car and I made him a double burger.  I apologized for not having any ketchup or mustard but he said it was ok.  Then I saw another man looking in the same garbage can.  I saw me giving Ray a burger so I waved him over.  He hurriedly walked over and I gave him a double too.  He didn’t stay long though.  But I told him God bless him and I would be praying for him.  After the men left I got back in my car and just thought of God’s timing.  That He let me take the food home, and had me get this parking spot, and gave me the courage to go talk to these men and offer them food.  Thank you God!  Proverbs 14:31 says, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy shows honor to God.”
if I would have been drinking and using, I would have never thought of anyone but myself. Today I care about other people.  And God puts people in my path for me to have the opportunity to help.  He give me courage to talk to them.  That's all I have for today!  Have a great one!