To Love Sooner

It is bitter cold outside. I brought two bags of coats to the group collecting coats and blankets for the homeless. In one bag was a coat I loved, but I hadn't worn in years. Before I placed it in the bag, I put it on. I posed in front of the mirror, twisting and turning and admiring the beautiful coat. It was very warm and very lovely. Yet, I had not worn it in two years. This could save someone's life tonight in this bitter cold. With great difficulty, I carefully folded the coat and put it in the bag.

Then I tied the bag closed as quickly as I could. I knew that if I saw the coat, I would lose my resolve. I would retrieve the coat, hang it lovingly in my closet, and not wear it. I know. Sick.

I hurried with the bag of coats to the drop off site. I thought of the beautiful coat, and how I would miss it. I hope that I will watch the news tonight which will undoubtedly report on the plight of the homeless in this record breaking cold. I will see the homeless people being handed the coats that the wonderful community of Charlotte collected for them. I will see a young woman look wide-eyed at my beautiful coat. She will slip it across her shivering shoulders, and I will watch her sigh in relief.

I hold so tightly to the things of this world. I tell you this story not because I am good, but because I am so evil. For two years, young women have shivered while no one wore that beautiful warm coat.
Oh Lord, help me love sooner.

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Isaiah 58:7-9
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
 and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
 and your healing shall spring up speedily;
 your righteousness shall go before you;
 the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am. '