“What’s your name?” said the man with an ear to ear toothless smile on his face while he put out his hand. It was hard not to return a smile with his infectious, gregarious greeting. “I’m Brian, you?” “I’m Jeffrey. Are you having a good day?” He asked without missing a beat. “Thanks for asking. I am. How about you?” I responded. “Sun is shining, I have hot coffee, those guys over there are my friends…I’m blessed and thankful” Jeffrey said still with a big smile on his face.
If you were watching my interaction with Jeffrey from across the street you would most likely be shocked to hear that my conversation partner viewed himself as blessed. His clothes were oversized and filthy. His hair was heavily matted and it was clear he had not showered for quite some time. And, as I learned when our conversation continued Jeffrey had been experiencing homelessness for years. However it was clear, Jeffrey wasn’t allowing these things to have a negative impact on him.
“I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual. It is surprising how contented one can be with nothing definite…. My breath is sweet to me. O how I laugh when I think of my vague, indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it, for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment.” – Henry David Thoreau
Driving away from the soup kitchen I couldn’t stop thinking about Jeffrey’s perspective. Sunshine, hot coffee and friends were all he needed to feel his life was blessed. It made me reflect on what my threshold was for sharing his sentiment. And in fact, that maybe I might need to reexamine my perspective.
When it is my turn to answer the inevitable Thanksgiving dinner question, ‘What are you thankful for?’ this year I’m going to look around the table, and at the table, and remember what I learned from Jeffrey and simply respond, “I am blessed and thankful!”
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
BP