The hobo and the guilty heart

Whenever I drive out of the Fred Meyer parking lot (next to the Jack in The Box) there is usually at least one hobo sitting or lying on the corner in the grass. My heart ALWAYS melts whenever I see them. One day when I was entering the parking lot (in the scorch of summer)I saw a hobo lying in the shade of a very small tree. When I was inside shopping, I bought him a water bottle. As I was leaving, I parked in the restaurant parking lot and walked over to give him the water. Of course I was a little nervous. This was my first real encounter when I was alone, and not in a comfortable environment such as the church. We exchanged a few words, and that was that.

Now to present day (this afternoon) I came across another hobo in the same shady spot. Though, today there was no need for shade granted it was about 65 degrees. My thought process was: he probably doesn't need water, it's cool outside, I think I'll just be on my way. As I was driving out I drove right past him. He was sitting on the curb, and we both made eye contact. The only thing I gave him was a slight (probably pitiful) smile. I just can't believe it. Well, I can, I feel it now. What was I thinking? Why was I not more generous? How guilty I feel . That could have been Jesus of Nazareth needing a drink of water, and I JUST missed my golden opportunity.

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

Matthew 10:42

Jesus, oh how I need forgiveness now. I cannot bear to think that that was you who was sitting there looking so helpless. Why did I not share my cup? When you were hideously hanging on the cross would I have shared my cup? Why not now in such a simple way? Please help me is these miniscule tasks.