so i take some time out of my retreat with with God to attend a funeral -- who ever heard of a funeral at 7pm on a friday night? - well, this was a first for me -- we weren't thinking there was going to be a lunchon - but oh yes there was -- at 8pm we were serving almost a full course meal - i'm back at office, i let the desk know i'm here and head back to my side of the building -- i go outside to get my stuff and what do i see - for the first time since working at the mission. . . there is a man hanging out the passenger's side car door.

my first reaction -- what the crap?! - i pulled the guy out of my car and asked what he was doing in my car -- probably not the smartest thing to do - but it seemed natural. i recoginized his face - he's been here many time for meals and i could smell that he'd been drinking.

he was oh so apologizing all over the place -- i led him to the front desk door to see who he was and what the staff on duty knew about him -- i found out -- i was told it was my call on whether to call the police or not -- after talking to this guy for a bit, i realized just how blessed we are here. i'm here all hours day and night and at no time ever i felt in danger -- God's peace and protection rests on this place. it's interesting, by his own admission, he's never stayed here - we confirmed that - but he's a regular at meals - he says he's homeless yet he get's an income - oh the folks we serve -- praise God for His grace.

do i feel unsafe now ? no -- but i did make sure my car was locked before i came back in. he said he was looking for change - he wouldn't have found any -- clothes, thanksgiving basket stuff, books, and other things associated with my life -- but no change - only toll 60 sees my change - but wait - i can go ez-pass if i want - what i want is that 16 miles of road to be free just like the other 30-40 miles of it.

may my weekend be filled with the sights and sounds of my Savior.