I wanted to share a beautiful experience that my husband and I recently witnessed. Mike and I went out to eat at the restaurant, Applebees. While we were there someone graciously paid for a meal for a homeless woman. What unfolded after that touched Mike and me to the core.
The waitress treated the homeless woman as if she was a celebrity, which she truly was! Jesus was among us. This homeless woman (whom we will call Terry) was very dirty, had an unpleasant stench to her, spoke in a semi-raspy loud voice, and she brought the cart of her dirty possessions into the restaurant and parked it right by her table.
The waitress (whom we will call Martha) did not try to hide Terry but sat her at a table near us and others. Martha spoke to her in a very kind and tender manner. There was no sign of embarrassment nor were there apologies to us for her presence, but rather she was treated with dignity and grace.
Martha proceeded to help Terry pick out what she would like to eat, and soon after brought her a big plate of delicious hot food and a glass of tea. It was a real feast! Terry was so happy as she began eating her meal.
At one point Terry needed to use the restroom. Martha, unhesitantly and patiently, walked with her to the restroom which was on the other side of the restaurant, chatting cheerfully with her the whole way. Terry wanted to bring her cart of possessions to the restroom to which Martha responded, “Of course, no problem.”
Mike and I were so touched watching this whole scene from the bible story in Matthew 25:31-40 being played out. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…….The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers (and sisters) of mine, you did for me.”
Might I add, not only was Jesus welcomed and fed that day, He was treated with tender mercy, graciousness, utmost respect, joy, and delight!
Mike and I felt honored to witness this glorious scene. We talked about it on the way home. It was a true display of Christian love.
May I go and do the same.
God bless,
Mary Ann / Mother Hen
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