Josh Macha's Blog
Blood, sweat, and tears / 01.08.10, 10:23 AM
Trash from the Christmas craze has built up into an unmanagable mound since the Christmas craze at the homeless shelter I work at and the local waste management company has refused to take all that we have in their truck. In fact, they left it all to rot and mold. We rented a large dumpster to get rid of all the trash, but one major part in the plan still needed doing. Actually putting the colossal pile of rubbish into the rented dumpster. “We need able men to help outside with the trash!” Excited by the idea physical labour and doing work alongside a brother I rushed downstairs. As I emerged into the sunlight I smiled for once again these men I have come to love were once again spitting in the face of the stereotypes held against them. “Homeless are homeless because they are lazy.” I could hear the mocking tone of our society. Yet I heard also the whisper of my creator saying “these are my beloved, see how they toil, and know that I knew what I mean when I say they are good.” I joined the exertion, throwing bags sweeping, and folding boxes. It is good for a man to be working with his brothers. In the sweat of our work and the encouragement of our lips we sealed a bond together today. During my work a woman pulled me aside and asked me how I enjoyed the holidays. I gave her the courteous “Why yes of course it was! Now how was yours?” She smiled at me with a bright gleam in her eyes and went on to tell me all about how she found a good place to stay and won her kids back from the courts. She told me how much of a blessing I was. She told me that she was on the brink of suicide, but she remembered how I smiled at her every day and showed her kindness. A gloss came over her eyes as the dam of her eyelashes failed her and tears began to pour down her face. She told me that she was alive because the kindness I show reminded her of her son, her most precious son, and how she loved him. She thanked my for my work and wished me well. We embraced and now I think to myself, it is moments like these where we stand on holy ground, where we humans become forever changed. I saw my Jesus in her as she saw in me. God I thank you for this precious life that you have given me, for with it I am able to take part in and enrich the lives of others.
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Thank you, Josh!! Amen to everything you said! God bless you & your MY experience!
By kristine / Jan 8, 10:20 PM / #
I have been so blessed, I thank God for letting me borrow you. Your in the best of Hands my #1 son. I love you more than you know, MOM
By Lori / Jan 12, 03:01 PM / #
Loved the above!! Love you-sent you a few dollars to help a little. G-Barb
By Barb Garrod / Feb 25, 02:33 PM / #