By first and second glance at this gentleman in the local laundry mat. You would never have guessed where he was sitting just a year ago. Today he walks in completely carelessly and stumbling over his own untied sneakers. Behind him he’s dragging in ripped black garbage bags full of clothing. The clothing smells like it hasn’t been washed in a year, the gentleman smells like he’s been up drinking all night. The familiar fragrance of alcohol and loneliness.
The other patrons of the laundry matt don’t look happy to see him walk in. I’m not sure if he’s been disruptive in the past or if it’s the aroma that follows him. Whatever it may be, he doesn’t seem completely welcome in this place.
Not even a year long ago. In a fancy office in midtown Manhattan sits a cleanly shaven and sharply dressed young man. If you didn’t know that this was a prestigious accounting office, you’d think it was a casting call for Ford modeling agency. Much opposite of the laundry matt, the fragrance in the air is a mixture of Italian leather, millennial success, freshly dry cleaned suits and green paper.
After one of the busiest days at this midtown office, he arrives home to an empty house. His home is never empty at this time, it’s usually bustling with books and homework, snacks all over while dinner is simultaneously being cooked. As he ponders the strange emptiness and silence, there’s a starting knock at the door. There’s two sheriff’s standing there with their posture saying that something is wrong.
After that knock at the door, things were never the same. How could they possibly be? The once successful young man that had life seemingly by the horns. Now, for the past year, he lives life with a completely shattered heart. Life changed in an instant for him in a way that none of us ever want to experience. His ripped garbage bags full of clothing was him ultimately gaining the strength to wash his family’s clothing before donating it. You wouldn’t know that unless you actually took time to get to know him.
My friends, we only see people’s appearances and outer actions. Yet, we know nothing about their lives or the sorrows that their heart carry daily. We may see a gentleman in the laundry matt or other common public spaces unkept and unwelcome. Yet, the circumstances that they’ve been through would bring many of us to our knees and possibly even the same lowly state.
As we enter the holiday season, with food, lights and tremendous joy on one side. Don’t forget that there are people who are experiencing an empty seat at their table for the first time. This is a great time of the year to show mercy, give out grace and hold back superficial judgement.
From the outside, we only see ripped black garbage bags full of clothing. But we never know exactly who’s clothing that is or the story behind it.
Lord,
We pray for everyone reading this that is feeling sorrowful as this holiday season approaches. We know that some are excitedly anticipating the holidays, while a neighbor is struggling to find the strength to get out of bed each morning. Those with empty seats at the table and unexplainable brokeness in their hearts. We pray that you would comfort them in ways only you can. Thru friends, strangers, family members and most importantly with your presence of comfort peace and healing. Help each of us to have eyes to see people and their outward appearances the way you see. With eyes and hearts of mercy and grace, getting to know one another rather than giving out easy condemnation. Help each of us to be a blessing to someone else this holiday season, especially those that are hurting.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
