Don’t Run Over New Friends

For those who help me bless our friends on the street, I again must thank you.

Today, of course, was hot, and so I loaded up my trunk with drinks, water, and tubs of fruit, cold from the cooler at the store, along with Gatorades.

I stopped by the camps, and the smiles from friends who gobbled down strawberries, grapes, cantaloupe, blackberries, and oranges made my day. As for the drinks, it wasn’t uncommon for two to get gulped down within seconds.

I rounded a corner and pulled to a stop where another friend stopped on his bike, pedaling to my side of the road.

He must have thanked me a zillion times for the water, fruity drink, and fruit bowl. And I quickly let him know I have friends who pray and think of them and that my task is to carry and tote for God.

I spent the next couple of hours stopping and talking and praying with anyone who got within twenty feet of my car.

Then at one corner, I screeched to a halt when this man crossed in front of me as if he thought I had a stop sign, which I didn’t.

Once he got in the middle of the street, he smiled, almost like he realized he’d stepped into oncoming traffic. Well, not much traffic, but one car, mine.

I waved, and he waved, and I pulled my car into the parking lot where a dear friend sat in the shade by the tree, one I longed to visit, which is why I came up that road.

Two men sat in the grass too, and I parked, popped my trunk, and offered them fruit and drinks, and my friend joined us. “Hi, I haven’t seen you since I went to the doctor.”

“I know. I came this way, hoping I’d find you. Are you thirsty?”

“Always.”

“I’ve got strawberries, cantaloupe, and one bowl has a mixture of fruit.”

“Strawberries are great. But I think I’ll take the one with the grapes.”

I rummaged in my trunk, realizing I had one last cold drink and one more tub of fruit, and I glanced across the street. “I think that man looks thirsty and hot.”

My friend argued, “He’s asleep. He’s laying down with his hat over his face.”

“Well, I’m here at the right time. I have these last two items, and I’m going over there. Come with me.”

She marched with me, and we crossed the street. “Hello. Are you awake?”

The man sat up. “I am now. I wasn’t really asleep.”

“Well, I’m the lady who almost hit you with my car. I have a peace offering.” I held out the fruit and drink.

“Well, they both look great. I am hot.”

“Oh, good. Enjoy.”

We chatted for a bit longer, his past including Louisiana and coming to Texarkana for work.

He said, “Thanks again for the fruit. You’re a bright spot in my day.”

“I pray the Lord guides you and that you’re blessed in your new walk here.”

“Thanks. I need all the blessings I can get.”

As my friend and I marched back across the road, she whispered, “You know why he said that?”

“Said what?”

“That you’re a bright spot?”

“Because we came to see him.”

“No way, he said that because your face is so RED.”

“I do get red in the sun.”

Laughing, we moved to the trees where she mentioned, “You’re not made for the street. You do better in the shade.”

So as I think about my outing, remember my friends, that if you have a chance, make someone’s day. And if necessary, do it with a red face. Or with strawberries or grapes! Or with Gatorade!

Because someone might need a reminder to taste and see the goodness of God. Just make sure you don’t run them over before you get a chance to become friends!