December 2-help to stay warm

       Today was a great day!  I work in one of the largest homeless populated areas of Cleveland. It is heart breaking to see so many people working so hard to make a better life for themselves. So, I decided to spread some warmth to them today. I purchased about 20 hats and gloves to hand out before I began work this afternoon. As I walked around the meal window asking the people who stood there if they needed a new hat and gloves I was shocked by the responses. One man who was clearly freezing said "Thanks sweetie, but that guy needs it more than I do" (pointing to a much younger man). Another man said "What do you want in return?" I said "nothing." and all he could say was wow. I could not believe the generosity and community of the people who I walk past every day.
      I think the one man that surprised me most was this man who appeared to be in his 40's. He had the saddest eyes. I asked him if he wanted a new hat and gloves and he began to cry. As he took them he told me a story. He told me that he worked for the same company for nearly 20 years, and lost his job about a month ago. He then told me that the day he lost his job, his wife died. I couldn't help but shed a tear. He then told me that all of his savings had gone to her hospital bills and he officially became homeless one week ago. He then thanked me and said "God puts people like you on this Earth everyday, but only a few follow his call. I am so grateful for your life. I know he will protect you, God Bless." I couldn't believe it. This man was thankful for my life; when I was so thankful for his. This, this moment is what it is all about, helping a fellow human, brother of Christ. This is why I am doing this month of service.
       One last story to share. I had one last pair of hat and gloves to give out and had to go to work. So I saved them. On my way home I drove past a woman kneeling in a corner on the sidewalk. I pulled over and got out. As I walked over to her she almost seemed afraid of me. I held out my hand and said, do you need a hat and some gloves? She looked at me and simply shook her head. I handed them to her, simply said God Bless and walked away. She reached out and touched my arm. She whispered "I don't want to be greedy but I'm so hungry..." I walked back to my car and grabbed the sack lunch I had packed but didn't have time to eat. She looked at the lunch-to me-back to the lunch- and one final time at me. She simply said Thanks and began to eat that sack lunch.
       Today was a day of great reflection. I'm not going to lie, I buy a new hat and gloves to match the new coat I needed to buy this year. My gloves and hat were something that I took for granted. I now will never take them for granted again. Acts 20:35 says:"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive." Today I was reminded of this. While I knew that I would receive blessings while blessing others, I had no idea the joy I would receive today from the incredible people that I see everyday. I know that starting from today I will make a better effort to see the people who visit my job, talk to them, help them in as many ways as possible. I am moving and shaping into a new person everyday. I know that God is choosing my places of Random Acts, and I cannot wait to see where he sends me next.