Whatever You Have Done...

I was talking to a friend last week who lives and serves in Perú. After a few minutes of sharing like stories about being Americans in other countries, we got into some of the nitty-gritty of life. She told me about the street where she lives in one of the poorer areas outside of Lima. About how there are incredible numbers of homeless people, street children. She shared how for many, there is no work, food, or hopes for as better life. I listened as she shared about one man who makes his living daily by walking her street and rummaging through garbage cans. Looking for empty plastic and glass bottles. Looking for discarded soda cans, and anything else he can sell to the scrap yard for a few Perúvian coins, or soles. He also looks for any discarded extra food that he can take to his family. I then asked her the $64,000 question. I asked her if she made sure to “throw away” some extra food for the guy on a regular basis. My question stunned her and she looked around, as if to make sure no one would hear. When she was sure we were alone, she said that yes, she did, and then asked if I thought it was weird. She went on to tell me that sometimes she would even go so far as to make extra and wrap up those “leftovers” just enough to keep them clean. But not so much as to be obvious. The bible teaches that “whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done unto me [Jesus].” While many of us spend our time trying mightily to define what it means to live a life pleasing to God, I think my friend has a good idea.