Gone Too Quickly

He showed up and was gone too quickly.  I was standing at the counter next to him getting those things we have to take every day from the drug store.  Without any intention of listening to his conversation while I was hitting the computer responses on the screen in front of me, I heard someone say $180 and him saying, "I can't pay that.  This cancer is going to, kill me anyway in five years," he said loud enough that it was no longer a strain on the ears to hear.  I looked up from the screen prompting and he was gone, almost out the door.  My mind was reeling from at what I heard.  I then I realized what I could do. I could help. I went after him, but it was too late.  He was gone.   

While the incident raises all kinds of thought about access and availability of medicine to people who need it but cannot afford it, it also raises personal regret about my slow response as well as a need to be more aware of the moments of opportunity to help which confront me.  The truth is there are always people around all of us who have some needs and they are often such needs that we could respond.  Folks may not see us like the folks who cried out, "Jesus, have mercy," long ago, but they are still out there asking Him for mercy and, perhaps, even us.  

We need to pray for those who suffer and struggle, but we cannot be content with prayer alone.  We may be the answer to the prayer we are praying.  We need to pray for more sensitive antennas so that we are able to hear their cries for mercy and help.  Jesus has equipped us to help and serve both with resources and opportunities and it is imperative that we be prepared to respond in the moment which speaks of now instead of the moment filled with "I should have done something."  When we find ourselves in a moment filled with the opportunity to serve another and Him, we need not wonder what to do for He will have answered our prayer and given us the resources to do so.