This afternoon, there was a knock at the door. I ran downstairs to answer it. Through the glass, I saw an old man about 75 years old. I immediately thought "Crap, I wonder what he's selling?" Even though his clothes were old and tattered, they were probably the best clothes he had. I could smell him a mile away. "My name is Doug" he said. "Can you tell me how to get to this address?" He handed me a torn piece of paper with a name and address scribbled on it.
The street he was looking for was one street East of ours. I still was a bit sceptical of him trying to sell me something. At that point, I hadn't really looked at him. I told him where to go and began to shut the door.
"Excuse me" he said, "Can I have a band-aid?" I asked "what for?" Doug said "I went to another house, asking for directions, and no one was home. I slipped and hit my head." Sure enough, he had a big scrape on his forehead.
I didn't invite him in our home, still thinking this was a bit odd. I came back with a band-aid. "Is it bad?" "No, just a large scrape." He took his glasses off and I put a bandage on him. I asked him why he was out and about today? He told me a man from the Episcopal Church in Salt Lake was helping people. His name was on the torn piece of paper he showed me. He asked me what my name was, and wished me a Merry Christmas. Then he walked slowly away.
Wow, I just had an opportunity to help someone who was really in need. I should have invited him in the house, and cleaned his cut. I should have drove him to the address on the paper, since he was in no shape to walk. I was so worried about inviting a stranger into the house, I missed an opportunity to really help someone. Doug's knock on the door has brought the true meaning of Christmas back in my life. Unfortunately, it was after all the retail Christmas shopping was done.
Wishing all my friends and family a very Merry Christmas!
Karen
