The small boy carefully stepped up on the platform. The metro was big and noisy. As he boarded, his eyes scanned the empty car and quickly fell on the last seat way in the back occupied by a rather disheveled gentleman. He made his way down the aisle never losing focus of his destination. He hopped onto the bench and looked intently into the man’s face who was sitting next to the window. Putting his hand on the man’s knee for support, he lifted himself up and wiggled down into the seat to get comfortable for the ride. Once situated he placed his arm around the man’s shoulder. Surprised at the small traveler, a stranger, the elderly man’s eyes lit up and a smile crept across his lips.
He wasn’t used to having anyone acknowledge him. He knew he didn’t look particularly inviting. He was aware of his dirty clothes and unkempt appearance. With every movement he was reminded of the odor he carried with him. None of that seemed to discourage the young stranger. Truthfully it felt nice to be noticed- to have someone actually touch him and look into his face seeing him. It was something that had been lost as the years went by. Being homeless was hard on a body…and a spirit. You don’t realize the importance of the intangibles you’ve lost when you experience homelessness. You tend to focus more on the physical things. Those amenities that provide comfort- a warm blanket, a hot breakfast, or a favorite pair of socks. You’ve learned to rely on the physical allowing the things you can’t touch to take a back seat. That is, until those physical things have been stripped away and you’re left with your own thoughts taking up space in your mind, crowding out the feelings of warmth and security and leaving feelings of isolation or perhaps worthlessness and shame. The young boy didn’t really have anything to say. He was just there, almost in a deliberate attempt to offer his presence for comfort and companionship. He seemed to be satisfied with just sitting and sharing space. He wanted nothing in return. Looking closely at his newfound friend the man noticed and recognized the distinct features of Down syndrome. Those beautiful blue almond eyes were bright with life. So bright it made the man wonder how that could be.
Long ago when his dear Hannah had been alive he had attended church. He had been welcomed and loved well. He remembered seeing that same brightness in some of the parishioners eyes, and certainly in Hannah’s. Could it be that this small boy actually knew Jesus? It seemed like it couldn’t be possible, yet, the acceptance and love he brought with him and eagerly shared couldn’t be explained in any other way.
Could God really use him to make a difference in others’ lives? Had God sent this little one to seek him out purposely choosing to sit next to him?
This small messenger had indeed brought the light and warmth of Jesus to a man on the fringes. A man forgotten by others. Ignored by society. A man buried beneath pain and grief. We are all this man that Jesus comes for. Jesus puts people in our path who can reach us for Him.
Sometimes that messenger is an unexpected young stranger on the metro.
This short vignette is a true occurrence in George’s life. We were visiting Washington D.C. having won ticket’s to attend the Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn. We had parked at the farthest metro station to avoid traffic and crowds and rode into the city. On our ride back to our car after a full day the above encounter took place. George has been sharing Jesus the majority of his life. Recording these stories is a way to show the beauty of sharing the gospel in the course of everyday life. God can and does use all of us.
