I took the boys to the post office. We went to buy Christmas stamps. The budget was oh so tight, I shouldn't have been spending another dime, let alone ten bucks on some silly stamps. But I really wanted to send out Christmas cards, and had a determined attitude.
I was feeling sorry for myself. My kids were whining because the line was long and one of my kids let out a big fart and I was a little embarrassed as everyone turned to stare.
Then I saw him. An old man in a wheelchair with a severely disfigured face. Most of his nose was missing. Was he a burn victim? A disabled veteran? I don't know. What I know is I was praying hard for my way too honest four year old to not say anything. But he did.
"Mommy, why is that man's nose so weird?"....came out of his little mouth. I was embarrassed. Wanted to hide. But the man scooted his wheelchair over and smiled. Told us he was sick and the doctor took his nose. That he was lonely most days but today was a good day because he was seeing us and we were cool. Started talking to us about Christmas and Logan's stuffed animal and just everything. Then the man looked right at me.
"Momma, sometime, you should take yourself out for a cup of coffee. Leave the kids with Dad. You could use a break, I can tell by looking at you. It's going to be alright. Just go get some coffee."
Here was a man with what looked like little to be grateful for, speaking encouragement into my life. He didn't know my name. Didn't know that it's a struggle to buy ten dollars worth of stamps right now. He just knew that maybe I needed a little encouragement. I cried a little bit. Told him I would pray for him to have a good Christmas. Told him about our church.
When the boys and I got to the car, I had a good talk with Logan. Told him that it's probably not nice to talk so openly about people's flaws, but that we are all flawed and we can help that man by praying for him to feel loved and to know that Jesus loves him.
I don't know the man's name. Don't know his story. But I know that he is treasured and that he matters. I'm grateful for that ten dollar lesson.
