Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers…    Hebrews 13:2

Today I found myself far from home standing in sub-freezing weather trying to insert a dollar bill in a bill changer to secure coins for the parking meter. The changer was out of order and I felt helpless.

At this precise moment a tall dark Middle Eastern man happened by.  In a heavy accent, he asked if I needed change.

“Yes,” I responded. “Come with me,” he said.

I followed him down the street to his car. He unlocked the door, leaned down and reached deep beneath the driver’s seat. I was surprised when he stood up, turned around, and held out a Tupperware container.  Inside it held pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.

“Take what you need,” he insisted. I reached inside and took a handful of quarters and dimes. I then reached in my pocket and held out several dollar bills to pay for the change.

“No, no!” he insisted.

“But, I want to pay you back,” I replied. He smiled and politely refused to take my money.  I smiled back, felt a tear forming in my eye, and I thanked him for his generosity.

We then shared one of the warmest handshakes ever and parted ways.

Jesus said, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” May it ever be so!  Thanks be to God!