Do you still go to AA meetings?

Saturday Morning April 15, 2023

“…his hands were bandaged together, leaving only his thumbs free.”

We saw him sitting on the steps of the church. Looking forlorn he stared straight ahead as traffic sped by. As we pulled up, we noticed the fingers on both of his hands were bandaged together leaving only his thumbs free. He looked at the packet we held out and asked, “What’s this?” “A little help,” we answered. He stood and gingerly made his way to our vehicle. His face lit up when he saw the $10 bill and Dunkin card. “Wow, this is great. Thanks so much.” We introduced ourselves and he told us his name was Ted. With both hands bandaged he was unable to take our gift packet…so we put it in his jacket pocket along with packs of crackers and cookies. Ted tried to explain what had caused the injury to his hands, but we were left confused as to what had actually happened. He gratefully accepted a bottle of cold water. Cracking the cap, we tucked the bottle in his other pocket. The small effort required to stand and walk to our vehicle left Ted winded and he returned to the church step and sat down. “This really helps a lot.” Ted told us, “Thanks so much for stopping.” Pulling away, we glanced in the rearview mirror. Ted was holding the bottle of water between his bandaged hands trying to unscrew the cap with his teeth. The vision was a stark reminder of the many small gifts of life that we take for granted.

“And anyone who gives one of my most humble followers a cup of cool water, just because that person is my follower, will be rewarded.”

Matthew 10:42

“Do you still go to AA meetings?”

Patty and Mike are regular friends of On the Street Ministry. Seeing us from a distance they rushed our way. Reaching our vehicle they said, “Wow, we heard you were on the street today. We’re so glad we caught up with you.” They were genuinely happy and grateful to receive the gifts we offered. As Patty loaded her pockets with cookies and crackers she asked, “Do you still go to AA meetings?” We replied, “Absolutely!” She asked, “Would you take Mike and me to a meeting?” “Of course,” we replied and asked, “How about Monday night at 6:00?” Patty turned and spoke with Mike, then answered, “Yes, that works for us.” She gave me her cell phone number and said, “We’ll meet you Monday, at the corner of Winthrop and Warren at six o’clock.” I told Patty I would call her Monday during the day to confirm that they still wanted to go to the meeting. We texted her on Monday but didn’t receive a reply. We called several times and left a message but didn’t hear back. We’re not discouraged, we’re encouraged. Patty and Mike didn’t follow through, but we know that our desire to change often involves many false starts. The seed has been planted. It will grow…in God’s time.”

“So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who causes the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6