August 2 – One Thing One Day One Time – I have a heart for the homeless, especially in the winter months where Nashville has this great volunteer program involving all our area churches. That said, I’m not prone to giving money as a rule as I don’t want to reinforce the beggar mentality. (Meals, yes, but money I try to avoid.) But all that changed the day I was running late for a meeting downtown (where it’s increasingly difficult to park). But low and behold, a metered spot opens up RIGHT in front of the building I need! Backing into the space, I begin digging in my purse in a frantic search for change and …dang it–I have none. I check cup holders…console…under floor mats ~nothing! I’m totally flustered when this homeless man gets up from a planter box, walks straight to my Jeep, and holding out a handful of quarters says, “Need some change ?” The irony of the moment made us both laugh out loud as I humbly conveyed I had no bills on me either, and that I might be in this meeting for more than the meter would allow. “That’s ok,” he said. “I’ll stay right here. I’m happy to keep an eye on things till you’re back…I’ll watch your meter and keep it plugged.” Suffice it to say I learned to get over my judgment of homeless and money as one never knows when you might be the one needing change yourself. No doubt angels come in all sorts of disguises. (And yes I was able to cash a check inside so my new friend would have his own story to tell.)