I had an experience a week or so ago that I’m still processing…

I almost never give to panhandlers, and we have a lot of them in our area, sometimes stationing themselves with their cardboard signs at busy intersections hoping for some charity while drivers are stopped for a red light. I’m especially not a fan of seemingly able-bodied men who have the energy to run up to a car for a donation. Couldn’t they apply that energy to useful work?

Anyway, I was driving down an urban street in Denver, and at a red light there was a small lady. Her sign said she had children. She was dressed very simply and really did look poor. I had been to the ATM recently, so I knew I had a wallet full of $20 bills. Unlike our lesson yesterday about giving all we have, I did pull out one of those twenties.

I should have said but didn’t: “Jesus told me to give this to you.”

She was very appreciative, and I drove off. Here’s the thing. I see panhandlers all the time and never think about them again. This lady, however, has some of my money, and I think about her often and pray for her. It seems to give new meaning to:

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6.21, ESV)