A missed opportunity for an act of kindness. As I proceeded to drive out of the parking lot of the Budget car rental business, a tall man approached me by waving his hand in the air. I rolled down the window. He walked over and asked me a simple question? “Can you buy me a cup of coffee? I’m living in a group home.”

My immediate reaction. Don’t trust strangers. With a pious attitude I replied, “Sorry, I have to go.” I rolled up the window and drove off. What had I done? As a Christian I missed it. I had more important things to do that morning. After all I was late for church!

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I asked God for forgiveness. As I reflected on this incident, I was reminded of the scripture. (Matthew 10:42 Living) “And if, as my representatives, you even give a cup of cold water to the little ones, you will surely be rewarded.”

I was downtown in a strange city on a Sunday morning  and as a woman all alone, I have to be careful. I could have asked him to meet me at the coffee shop just a block away and purchased him breakfast! That’s what Jesus would have done. I had the means to give a cup of cold water to the needy. And, more importantly, to show Christian kindness instead of judgment.

What was my reward? I lost my way as I kept circling around tall buildings and one way streets looking for the church. After three failed attempts at locating the building, time had run out and church was over! That Sunday morning, I found myself sitting in the coffee shop all alone.

Then grace swooped down and I was forgiven. Thank you Jesus for the lesson.

Next time when a stranger approaches me with the question. “Can you buy me a cup of coffee?” I will oblige. Better yet, paying it forward would work better.

Prayer – Lord, help us to incline our ears to the needy and show kindness to strangers. Amen.

Any experiences? What ways can we show kindness in our everyday life? Love to hear from you.