The Least of These

For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink

Good morning/afternoon/evening.  My name is Laci Yeattes, and I am the daughter of the lovely lady who so faithfully shares her daily thoughts.  Unfortunately, my mother is traveling and is unable to access the internet, so I am filling in for her today. 

In Matthew 25, starting with verse 35, Jesus talks about those who are worthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  He states specific things that they have done for Him, like feed and clothe Him.  When asked when this occurred, He utters those famous words: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

In today's world, this is a standard that the majority of us ignore.  It is difficult to find a person who has not been "harrassed" outside of a convenience store or gas station by some stranger asking for change.  We take in their disheveled appearance, glazed eyes, and mumbled requests with a certain judgemental distaste.  Then comes "the thought."  We assume that the stranger will simply take the money for drugs and alcohol, neither of which being a habit we are comfortable enabling.  We look away, mutter something like "Sorry, all out of cash," and then hurry off.  How easy it is to be on the outside looking in.  Would it be so if we spent a day in their shoes?

I will be the first one to admit that I made some bad choices during my life.  These culminated during my college career with a one-sided (my side) estrangement from my family and a string of unfortunate events that left me homeless in the DC area at age 21.  I slept in the math department at my school when the security guards didn't do a thorough sweep.  Other nights I slept in my car.  I was too proud and ashamed to tell my family.  I had treated them quite poorly and did not feel worthy to ask their assistance.  When I wasn't attending class, I would sit outside coffee shops, smelling the coffee and cigarrettes, wondering where my next meal was going to come from.  One day, an elderly gentleman approached me.  He had seen me there regularly and had drawn correct conclusions about my situation.  He didn't say anything, he just handed me a coffee and nodded as he walked away.

Such a small gesture meant so much.  It reminded me that there is some good in the world.  That there are people who help others just because there is a need.  There were others who gave without being asked, but that gentleman was the first.  Now that I am a successful educator and no longer in the same situation, I cannot help but think of him when I am approached by someone asking for a few dollars for a coffee or some gas to get home.  Is it really that big of a sacrifice?  The answer for me has always been "no."