Friends on the Outside

It was a beautiful day.  The sun was out, fall colors on the trees and the air warm and light. Kent and I sat outside eating lunch.  We had been to this place before and the food was pretty good, today we came for the seating.

As we were finishing our meal we noticed several of our “friends” as Kent and I have taken to calling them.  Homeless folks who we have gotten to know through the morning program we participate in at the Church of the Reconciler.  After sitting by a fountain for some time they crossed the street and headed towards us.

Our level of anxiety rose with each step as the group approached.  What should we do?  Clearly we have enough money to afford to eat lunch as we’re sitting outside finishing our meal.  Will they recognize us?  What do we do if they ask us for food?  We’ve already learned that giving out money is not good because it often supports addictions.

Still I don’t have enough money that I can buy food for six individuals.  Nor do I have any leftovers to offer – and if I did which person should get them?  As they drew near Kent and I decided to duck down and pretend to talk to each other.  The hope was that we wouldn’t be noticed and placed in an awkward situation.

As our friends passed by no one appeared to spot us.  We were in the clear, except for our conscious.  Recounting the story to our gracious host later, he agreed that we faced a difficult situation.  He was glad we had been provided with the experience.

God’s guidance in life’s questions, Eric :p