What intersection are you at?

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'" Then the righteous will answer him, saying, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'  And the King will answer them, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.'"

Matthew 25: 35-40


Warm Gestures

I finally broke down and bought a puffer coat!  I had resisted for years as my son Jake reminded me that these coats are nothing short of wearing a sleeping bag!  But the elements of cold, blustery Chicago winters prevailed . . . I needed good cover for my twenty-minute walk from Union Station to my office on Michigan Avenue.

So each day during the workweek, I trek down Adams Street to get to my office.  On my way, I encounter several homeless/street people.  One that I have befriended is a guy named "Hawk."  He sits in a wheelchair at the corner of La Salle & Adams, the Chicago equivalent of Wall Street.   Hawk is probably in his 50's or 60's.  He is a veteran that sports a long braid and a beret.  He has been on this corner for at least 8 years that I know.  What struck me about him is that, unlike the others, he did not ask for money . . . he just shouted encouragement & affirmation to people passing by.  "Go Blackhawks!" is a familiar chant during the hockey season.  And in the summer he shouts to the girls, "Hey, I like your toes!"  (Hawk does not have feet as his legs were amputated just above the knee.)

Imagine the contrast of Hawk  to the rush-hour frenzy of emotionless people, focused on their destination, quickly  brushing past him.  Silent drones compared to the gregarious Hawk, saying hello and striking a conversation with anyone that will give him the time!

Lately his "post" is often empty. On the days that he is there, his words have changed to pleas.  I worry about his health and how cold he must be siting there for hours each day.  Today he was slumped over, dozing, in his gray puffer with a hood.  His immediate needs are so great; my little gifts of food or money seem inconsequential by comparison.  Please remember him in prayer.

"If I look at the masses I will do nothing.  If I look at the one, I will act.
Mother Theresa

This week marked the annual charitable event of "Giving Tuesday." I am sure your inboxes were as full as mine with fund raising campaigns.  As I think of the homeless that will be on the streets during these next few cold winter months, I submit to you the following opportunities to help out:

• One Warm Coat is a national organization that supports over 3000 coat drives each year.  Check their website www.onewarmcoat.org to find a coat drive near you. 

• A more creative outreach occurred in the town of Seymour, Indiana where Casey Cornett began tying winter scarves around trees and light poles, left as a gift for people who are in need of warmth.  Her family does this each year so the kids learn there's more to Christmas than presents.  It has grown into a movement across America . . . consider this random act of kindness by taking a scarf and tying it around a light pole or tree in your city or town.  Tuck a little note inside to add some cheer! 

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."

Mother Theresa

Glazed Pecans

I leave you with a small gift, a favorite recipe, that I have been making for Christmas for many years.  I usually make about 10 lbs. at a time and add 3 bags of red & green M&M's for color.  These yummy morsels are given as gifts in all kinds of containers like decorative  bags, "take-out" boxes, tins and glass jars.  They are a crowd-pleaser so it is no wonder that this is my most requested recipe.  Enjoy!

          1 egg white
           1 tsp. cold water
           1 lb. whole pecans

Beat egg white & water in a large bowl until frothy.  Add pecans to the bowl and mix well.

           1/2 cup sugar
           1/4 teaspoon salt
           1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Mix together the above ingredients and sprinkle over pecans.  Mix well.

Using a large cookie sheet, butter completely and spread the nuts in a single layer.  Bake 1 hour at 225 turning nuts every 15 minutes to keep them from sticking together.  Remove from oven and cool.  Store in an airtight container for several weeks . . . if they last that long!  Serves "many handfuls."

Thank you Lord for the blessing of a warm coat! I am reminded of this each winter day that I walk to work.  I lift up my friend, Hawk, that his way may become a little easier by the help of those you put in his path.  Help us Lord to see the need of others and to give, however great or small. Amen.