Several weeks ago, I was hurrying through stores trying to find the perfect flowers for Taylor's prom corsage. I was striking out. I begin to wonder why I didn't just order the corsage at the local florist but I thought of my own mother who spent hours making my everything perfect. Just as I was pulling into what I hoped would be my last store a homeless man caught my eye. I smiled and waved. Sometimes traffic doesn't allow for much else. This particiular day as I got out of my car, I was close enough to say hello and again make contact with the gentleman. I proceeded into the store and found the perfect flowers for our project. As I hurried out the store the man I saw earlier was now walking toward me. I don't mind talking to people I don't know in a busy parking lot but I do feel much more comfortable if I'm in my car. I got in my car, rolled down the window and engaged in conversation with this man. I asked him if he was hungry. He replied in the affirmative. I asked if he was allergic to nuts because I had some granolla bars in my car that were very good. His teethless grin indicated the nuts would be hard to chew. He gratefully declined my offer. I told him I was very embarassed because I didn't have any cash. I only had about $.17 in my car. I told him he could have it but that I felt bad I didn't have more. He opened his very winkled, aged and clean hand. I dumped all the change I had into his empty palm. Over $100 worth of flowers and supplies accompanied me in the front seat. He commented on the beauty of the flowers. How I wished I had more money to share with him. Then I remembered that one of the girls had put some cash in my wallet. I found $5.00 and handed it to him. He thanked me and hten asked me if I read the Bible. I told him I did. He said, "in the Bible I read 1 Corinthians 13 says that CLARITY is the greatest gift." I said, "we read the same Bible. Mine says CHARITY too." He said, "No, CLARITY! It's CLARITY. I didn't wnt to argue with him and it was clear he was firm on what he "knew" and read. Our conversation continued about sharing and loving and living like Jesus. We went on to talk about taxes and hardships, family and friends. Time was quickly being swallowed up and I needed to get home to get these flowers done. It was a couple of days before our schedule slowed down enough for me to process those 5 or so minutes with this stranger. When it hit me, it hit me hard. Of course, the greatest gift is CHARITY/LOVE and it's because CHARITY gives us CLARITY. It allows us to see clearly. It allows us to see who we are. It allows us to see who others are. The pure love of Jesus Christ is CLARITY! Wow! I'm so grateful for this message that was taught to me by a stranger who also happens to be one of my brothers in the family of Christ.
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