My Homeless Friends

I have always had a homeless friend.

When I was in grade school a homeless man lived in the park across the street from the school who would often walk by at recess time. He would never say anything, but we'd see him hanging out just down the street, far enough away that our teachers wouldn't get nervous. One day, my friend and I smuggled some of our lunch out to recess and ran over to the corner of our concrete-and-weeds playground, and stuck the food treasures through the chain link fence. That is when God first opened my eyes to the homeless around me.

Then, as I got older, I got my first job at the Orange Julius in the Mall Food Court. I would drive through the same entrance to the Mall everyday and that is where God planted the next homeless man I would meet. His name was Homeless Joe and he was well-known in the Mall Employee community. Everyday he would stand on the same median with his 'Homeless and Hungry' sign. The first day I noticed him I kept driving. I had worked all day, it was a Saturday, and I was tired and I kept driving. Every block I drove I felt more and more strongly that I should give him something. So, after 6 blocks of wrestling with God, I u-turned back to the mall. I went right back to Orange Julius, got a chili cheese dog and a giant glass of water and went back to my car. I drove through the same drive, pulled in next to the median, and offered Homeless Joe a hot dog. You would've thought it was a gourmet meal (don't let their advertising fool you, OJ/Dairy Queen dogs are not gourmet!). With a smile on his face he said, "God bless you dear." This began my three year friendship with Homeless Joe based on a chili dog.

That brings me to my current homeless friend. He is always dressed in camouflage head to toe, with a rainbow scarf, a jester's hat, and a giant duffle bag. The first time I 'met' this man, I was in my car, radio up, windows down and I heard a whistle and jibberish being yelled in my direction. At first I thought he was being rude, but after several 'meetings' I realized he was being an entertainer. He was yelling fun jibberish for all to hear. I smiled, then laughed and kept driving.

Today, as I drove home from the school, I passed my homeless friend. He was playing a trombone...he may have made up a new key no one has heard before. It was bad, but when he stopped I saw the biggest smile spread across his face. His joy even in obviously difficult times is contagious. Again, I smiled, laughed, and kept driving. I've often thought I should offer him something, but he never asks for food or money. He holds no sign or can of coins. He seems to truly enjoy entertaining.

As part of my teaching ministry, I get to organize major servant event days for the whole school. This year I've chosen to focus on serving the poor. I pray that my students get to see the unique relationships and the joy in friendship that they will experience when helping those affected by homelessness. My homeless friends have been a part of my story, and God has used each of them to teach me something new.

I pray that God always gives me opportunities to befriend the homeless.