It's time

We had friends for supper last night who work under the bridge with us.  We were talking about stories we all have from there.  One story was brought up that happened a couple of years ago.

A man used to come down there in a wheel chair.  He wasn't homeless...had a small apartment...but he liked coming there to eat on Wednesday night.  One night he called our friend Rod over and said he would like to make a donation to Lost Sheep Ministry.  He handed Rod a check.  Rod thanked him and went about the business of the evening....checking to be sure everything was running smoothly.  About half way through the meal he happened to glance over at our friend in the wheelchair and noticed he wasn't moving.  At all!  He walked over, and the man had died.  No one else had noticed.  We moved him to the side and called the coroner and an ambulance.

Some might think that is a sad story.  I happen to wish I could go that quickly and peacefully.  I think the thing that intrigued me most though, was the fact that he gave Rod a check for Lost Sheep.  They have been feeding people under that bridge for the past 30 years and have never missed a Wednesday, no matter what the weather is like.  In all of those 30 years, no one who is a recipient of the meals, clothing, dental care, medical care, prayer, or any other service provided, has said, I want to give Lost Sheep a check as far as I know.

I also wonder if this man had a feeling that this might just be his night to go and meet his Maker. Of course we will never know until we reach glory, but the thought occurred to me that I need to be generous every day...not just with money, but with my time, my love, my prayers....actually everything that I am.  I never know when I will just be sitting at a table or walking in the park, or just going about the daily business of living, and the Lord will say to me, "it's time."