A file named Rudy

So here I sit at work on a Friday and I was searching through my old files for procedures.
I came across a secret treasure: a file named Rudy
I thought I would share it with you today.

Deuteronomy 10:12 …” Walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord with all of your heart” …

Today has to be one of my favorite days of the week; it is my Thriday as I have become accustomed to call it. My last day of the work week is Thursday which means technically that it is my Friday the two days combined creates a new language for others who also do not work on Friday: Thriday. A typical morning of work and off to lunch with the girls to yet another favorite- Groucho’s Deli. Nothing out of the ordinary- typical day, ordered the same favorite sandwich, STP Dipper with a side of Greek olives, even the same small chat which always involves work.  The new office changes, the events that occurred the morning of court, the laws that could affect Bankruptcy, and lately the topic of the economy tends to come up quite often, how bad times are. The girls and I managed to roll a few belly laughs across the table before finishing up our lunch and out the door for an afternoon of pure work at the office.

It was there on the sidewalk of Harden Street that stood a man who announced he was homeless.  He asked us for a few dollars “just enough to buy a cheeseburger,” he said.  We were all actually caught off guard by his presence because we were still in route of our previous conversations.  I said to him that I would take him into Groucho’s and buy his lunch if he were hungry.  I wish you could have seen the gratefulness his face exalted.  Without hesitation he followed me into the Deli.  The noisy crowd that I just left seemed hushed when I re-entered.  Here I was standing with an older gentleman, wearing a black cap with long unruly gray hair lurking out.  He stood there with a long black coat as the crowd simply observed us and our conversation.  I asked him his name, Rudy he said, as we stood at the counter waiting to place his order.  I handed him a menu to let him order the lunch of his choice.  He bowed his head and returned it quickly and said, “I am sorry, I cannot read it.”  How about I order you my favorite I told him. As we waited I turned and said, Rudy, I promise to be in prayer for you. 

He breathed a breath of relief and said, “Oh good, you are a Christian.”  I ordered his lunch as others around us just starred and were curious as to what was going on.  He tapped my shoulder and said, “I have a specific prayer request, can you pray that I can find a job?”  He mentioned he worked here and there for food but he needed something full time to get him off of the street.  “Of course I will Rudy,” I said.  The lady behind the counter smiled and told him his lunch would be up shortly. I shook Rudy’s hand and told him that I hoped he enjoyed it and I wished him luck. 

As I sit here now, the day has been so much brighter. The act of such a small event brings me so much peace. As one who wishes I could change the world, I know it can be done by one small act of kindness at a time.  I came back to my desk and just prayed. Lord, thank you for the encounter I had with your Rudy today.  I pray Father that he is yours and I pray that I keep my promise to pray for him.  Lord, I lift Rudy up for you to comfort.  I pray for avenues to open for employment for Rudy even in our economies time of despair. God, I thank you for the opportunity to provide lunch for a man in need, forever, keep me humble and in thanksgiving of you, our glorious God.  Amen.

I write to encourage each of you to thank God for each of your blessings. I write to also encourage each of you to display an act of kindness where you see God has provided the opportunity.  One small act of kindness for man may equal one giant leap of faith, reflecting our redeemer, for mankind.