I Have Enough

It is a little awkward for me to write this story because it requires that I make a somewhat embarrassing admission.  I think about winning the lottery.  Not excessively, not even often, but on occasion I have the thought that winning the lottery would be one big easy button for everything that would make us happy, and that Rob and I would be really good stewards of humanity if our bank roll was extra fat.  NEWSFLASH COURTNEY, winning the lottery will NOT bring you happiness and you are ALREADY equipped to be a good steward of humanity.  Bank accounts in a league that mingle with Buffet and Gates are not required to help those around you.   

Last week, I needed to deposit some checks so I ran across the street.  It was a Wednesday to be exact.  I was sort of hungry for a snack, or something to drink, so when I deposited the checks I also got a crisp, new five dollar bill.  I thought I might drop into the corner market for a snack and maybe pick up a powerball ticket while I was at it (please understand, I NEVER play the lottery even though I think about winning it, and Rob really doesn't like the lottery at all so he never plays either, it was just a random decision).

Well, as I was headed down the street to the corner store I ran smack dab into a homeless man that frequents our church for Sunday evening meals.  He very politely asked how I was doing, and even asked about Cora saying he couldn't believe how big she was getting.  We made small talk for a second and then he asked if had any spare change.  I peeked in my wallet and my crisp five dollar bill made me ashamed.  How dare I even think that I don't have "enough" when there is a man in front of me in ragged clothes with two stubby cigarettes over his ears he's probably dug out of some ashtray and will eek out every last bit of nicotine he can.

I told him I didn't have any change but I had a five and he insisted that was too much.  I insisted he take it.  In the course of our conversation he told me about how he'd just lost his transitional housing and so had his buddy and he was now staying down by the river.  He'd been lucky enough to get a tent but his friend hadn't and they really needed one.  Our youth group has several old tents that don't make it on our journeys anymore so I had him meet me after church so I could give him one.

I've been in need of a good dose of perspective these days.  I have enough.  More than enough, and I am called to share.