LMKTM: See the Need, Meet the Need

 In LMKTM

Yesterday I was absolutely, flat-out schooled by my 6-year old son Joey. Yes, it’s true. We were on our way to a movie when we had to stop at a red light. I immediately noticed a man with a cardboard sign that read “Anything helps.” Instead of doing something, however, I kept on in my conversation with my husband and waited for the light to change.

Joey, however, had other ideas.

As soon as he noticed the man, he spoke up from his place in the backseat: “Is that man poor?” Gulp. It was as if I immediately knew this was going to be a “moment.” My heart flooded with conviction and I reached for my purse and pulled out some cash. “Yes, son, that man is poor and needs help,” I said. “Would you like to give him something?” He answered enthusiastically and affirmatively, so I handed him the money and put his window down. He called out to the man and the man quickly came over to receive the money. Joey’s smile was a mile wide as he said, “God bless you” and handed over the cash. Just then, the light changed and we had to drive away. As we were doing so, Joey sighed and said, “That felt so good.” I looked at my husband and he looked at me and we both dissolved into tears. It was such a special life moment. My husband looked back at Joey and said, “Never stop caring for the poor, Joey.”

In that moment I was transported back to a time when I was the same age as my son is now. I remember a little girl with long brown hair and big brown eyes who would break into sobs anytime she saw someone on the street who was in need. Life sure can try to make us bitter and harden our hearts to the needs of those around us. But yesterday, watching my son’s simple response to need (see need, meet need), I was challenged to adjust my heart and peel away the layers of doubt and cynicism that have crept in over the years. Jesus’ gospel really is simple: love God, love others.

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