TGIF

As you turn into the little strip mall that harbors the McDonalds here, you must drive past the prime piece of panhandling real estate in town.

There is always someone there, always holding the cardboard sign that briefly describes why they are there and that anything can help.

As usual, there was someone there the other day  when Trey and I drove past to get some morning hashbrowns for him and strong coffee for me.

I usually pay little attention as there is little separating me from holding a sign myself and there’s not much I can do for those who are holding one now.

This beggar caught my eye though.

Actually he didn’t grab my attention, his dog did.

The dog and the beggar both looked as if they had seen better days and were both of questionable parentage.

That dog though…that dog was not embarrassed to be standing alertly and expectantly with his master.

That dog had this look of both unshakable dignity and love for his ragged owner and I saw both of their heads drop when we drove past.

That dog was faithful and good and that dog broke my heart.

We went through the drive up and I was getting ready to pull out and drive past them again on our way out.

That was when Trey remembered the bag.

A couple in our church love Jesus and dogs and because Jesus said they had to love people too, they came up with a great idea.

They would prepare paper bags with a copy of the Gospel of John, a couple healthy snacks, and a couple of 2 dollar bills…and some doggie treats.

When they come upon a homeless person with a dog they bless both of them with one these bags.

We had one in the backseat and Trey scrambled to retrieve it.

“Remember to tell him there is something in it for the dog, too”, I reminded him.

We pulled up next to them and Trey handed the man the bag and delivered the message.

I drove away, watching in my rear view mirror.

What I expected to see was the man rifle through the bag for whatever would help him and give the dog his treats as an afterthought.

What I saw was a man who sought the doggie treats first and his countenance light up as he fished them out of the sack.

Then I saw a man and his dog embrace each other in pure joy.

What I saw was holy.

What I saw blinded me in tears and I had to look away to be able to drive.

I hope that man got something to eat and some encouragement to keep on trying.

I hope he reads that Gospel of John and gets to know Jesus.

I hope he is thankful, not to me or to Trey, or to my wonderful friends that put that bag together…I hope he is thankful to Jesus for giving him that wonderful dog.

God loved him that much…and a God that loves you that much might be a God worth loving back.

Make your own application…