Another Gifting Bags Experience

I’ve shared before about the good feeling I get when I am able to hand out a gifting bag to a homeless stranger on the corner of most any intersection in town, especially on these cold days.  I try to carry two bags in the front seat of my car, that are ready to hand out the window when I have opportunity… and that opportunity came three times this past week!  I fill these bags with things like a warm sock cap, a pair of thick socks, some padded gloves, a bottle of water, a toothbrush and toothpaste, some sanitizer, a small tube of hand cream; individual bags of chips, candy, or crackers; some kind of Christian pamphlet and maybe a $10 gift card for McDonald’s or Wendy’s.

Recently, I was able to circle back around the block to be in the right hand lane and hand out a bag just at the red light.  Nearly everyone smiles and genuinely thanks me with a “God Bless you” or “I really appreciate it”.  This week, the first man lit up with a happy grin and thanked me.  A couple days later, I was stopped at a light so had the perfect chance to roll down my window and hand out the second bag.  I watched the young man peek right inside and pull out a small bag of Cheetos and open it right there.  Before the light turned I took another look.  He looked and smiled at me, and we gave each other a thumbs-up!  My heart was full of thanksgiving that I could bring a little cheer into this young man’s life!  It is so easy to do!  I grinned all the way home!  Finally, I had stopped at Wendy’s to get a sandwich for myself.  As I came out of the drive through and around the corner, I saw another man with a sign.  All I could think to do was hand him my Wendy’s gift card.  Usually I get a receipt to know how much balance I have left, but had not gotten one this day.  I pulled out my card, and as he approached the car window I said, “I don’t know how much money is left on this card but it should be enough for at least a sandwich” and as I drove away, I prayed there was enough!  Now, to head out and fill up a couple more bags!

Honestly, I’m not trying to brag on my good deeds!  Jesus, Himself, exhorts us to share with those who have little!  Matthew 25:42-45 says “For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me.  I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home.  I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing.  I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’  “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’  And He will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

May I encourage you to do something similar and receive the blessing yourself?  It doesn’t have to be exactly what I do, but most anything you are able to give is appreciated.  And I guarantee that this act will make your own day much richer. God bless you!