Coincidence-Circumstance-God Instance
Sandy did not go with me to last Friday's Community Dinner at the Presbyterian Church. She stayed home to do laundry and eat a couple vine ripe tomato sandwiches. I tried to get residents from the Men's shelter to ride with me to dinner. I got no takers. I decided to walk for my health. It is about a 12 minute brisk walk and I set out at 11:47 A. M. I arrived at 12 noon and I got right into the line for food at the end of grace. Because I arrived at that time I got 1/2 of a chicken breast bar-b-cued over charcoal with brown sauce and fruit. Dinner was served by a Baptist Church with children and youth working with adults. Because I was alone, I decided to have an after dinner coffee. While I was sitting on a pew on the side of the dining room watching the people enjoying the great chicken dinner, a man walked up and asked me to help a young woman whom he had met in the county jail where both were inmates. Now released he wanted to help the young woman who was living on the streets. I introduced myself and talked with her for a moment and realized that she would do well at "On Our Own" which is a day program in the afternoon hours that serves people with drug and alcohol addictions and people with mental health problems. The center is run by paid staff with the help of the members. With education, speakers, group support and friendship the members become more independent and able to care for themselves and others. Many of the homeless in the area are members. I escorted the young woman there. As I talked of the place it was obvious that she had never heard of it before our walk. I brought her inside and introduced her to the people of "On Our Own." She was welcomed with open arms, a glass of water and cake.
By the time I walked back to work, I realized that none of this would have happened if it had been a regular Friday. Because I was there alone, I was available to help another human in need. It was not a coincidence or circumstance that I was there without Sandy. The providence of God was at work in my schedule. What a blessing is mine in this job.
God bless you all,
Ken and Sandy Bitler
Sandy did not go with me to last Friday's Community Dinner at the Presbyterian Church. She stayed home to do laundry and eat a couple vine ripe tomato sandwiches. I tried to get residents from the Men's shelter to ride with me to dinner. I got no takers. I decided to walk for my health. It is about a 12 minute brisk walk and I set out at 11:47 A. M. I arrived at 12 noon and I got right into the line for food at the end of grace. Because I arrived at that time I got 1/2 of a chicken breast bar-b-cued over charcoal with brown sauce and fruit. Dinner was served by a Baptist Church with children and youth working with adults. Because I was alone, I decided to have an after dinner coffee. While I was sitting on a pew on the side of the dining room watching the people enjoying the great chicken dinner, a man walked up and asked me to help a young woman whom he had met in the county jail where both were inmates. Now released he wanted to help the young woman who was living on the streets. I introduced myself and talked with her for a moment and realized that she would do well at "On Our Own" which is a day program in the afternoon hours that serves people with drug and alcohol addictions and people with mental health problems. The center is run by paid staff with the help of the members. With education, speakers, group support and friendship the members become more independent and able to care for themselves and others. Many of the homeless in the area are members. I escorted the young woman there. As I talked of the place it was obvious that she had never heard of it before our walk. I brought her inside and introduced her to the people of "On Our Own." She was welcomed with open arms, a glass of water and cake.
By the time I walked back to work, I realized that none of this would have happened if it had been a regular Friday. Because I was there alone, I was available to help another human in need. It was not a coincidence or circumstance that I was there without Sandy. The providence of God was at work in my schedule. What a blessing is mine in this job.
God bless you all,
Ken and Sandy Bitler
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