I passed by you today...

            I passed by you today. It was a quick glance and the aching of my heart started to yearn for you. Your eyes were focused on the ground ahead as you tried, with all your might, to carry all that belonged to you. As you climbed the hill and put one foot in front of the other I watched you slipping away.

            I passed by you again today. You had made it up the hill and not much further after that. I can’t imagine the strength and endurance it must take, yet all I see is the weakness and hurt overcoming all that is you. The bags have become heavier this time and the road doesn’t seem to be taking you anywhere in particular. Just anywhere but here. Your eyes, still cast down to the barren road, have grown dry and calloused. The tears dried up by frustration and strife.

            I passed by you a third time. This was my chance. I had to do something. The aching in my heart became the audible prayer that all I wanted to do was help you.  There had to be something. I could help you up that hill, I could carry your bags and be that support. But then what? I would have to get back to my job, my day, I would have to get back to my life. Helping you around the corner might help you for a time, but in the long run what does it accomplish? “You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Or teach a man to fish and feed him for life" , the old saying was rattling my brain, as I thought of the different, more effective ways I could help. I knew that it was my job to give you what could eternally sustain you. So I stopped, got water, bread and pb&j. I was planning a lot in my head and was so excited to meet you. I saw you, pulled over and noticed the life that been warn on your face, each line adding new curiosity to the story that was behind it all. Inside all I wanted to do was give you a hug and I almost did.

“Sir, I have something for you. I passed by you 3 times today and couldn’t pass by again without trying to help. I got you water, and some food.”

You didn’t want the food. You didn’t want a hug. You took the water and left without a word.

I watched you continue to walk up the hill, pushing the life that was all you had and my heart began to break. I offered you something more, something that would sustain you and if only you knew the real Living Water and Bread of Life that was awaiting you. I could scream it at you, yell at the top of my lungs how much you need it or throw it at you in disbelief. But all I could do was stand there. Stand there and watch you pass by, not even noticing me. It dawned on me how much you and I are so much alike.

You see, everyday I am seen. I am noticed and pursued by the One who can truly sustain me. He passes by and once again, wonders why I am trying to go uphill all by myself, dragging all my bags with me. I am offered more, I am offered something that will sustain me that I don’t even realize I need or could use. Yet, all I take is what I think I need in the moment.

As you disappeared down the road, I prayed that your eyes would be lifted, your burdens ceased and the realization that you are pursued is made known.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure Her.” Hosea 2:14