Heat and humidity engulfed the space around us as overcast skies brought a reprieve from the otherwise penetrating August sun. The man gasped for air as he explained his need for assistance moving some final objects from an apartment to a house on the north side of town. This possessor of Parkinson’s symptoms steadied himself as he listened to the desires of the man with what appeared to be chronic bronchitis standing before him. Being a moving shuttle had not been on the agenda for today, but opportunities to serve and show the grace that has been given me had been among my prayers even this morning. The man in need is a regular attendee at the “breakfast club” on Sunday mornings at the church and faithfully attends worship services as well. My view from the choir loft gives access to every face even in the absence of identified name. As I took great care descending some rather irregular and steep front steps while carrying a small table to the truck I silently wished for a breeze to help stir the humid air engulfing my face and forehead. Soon we had the few pieces that needed to be transported securely in the truck bed as we sped along our way up North Main to the man’s newly rented home. In the cool of the air conditioned truck the man told me a bit about his past and I was thankful for the opportunity to learn a bit more about the gentleman who saw my truck as a means to satisfy his need to be relocated by tomorrow. Time, place, and willingness to be helpful had provided the means by which blessings could be shared in unique and unexpected ways. We were both blessed by this morning’s encounter and grateful that the time and willingness had coalesced.
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