"Let Him Sleep"

by Kathryn McKinney
(North Carolina)

Today I saw this man laying on the bench of a pic-nic table we have at work on the grounds. I didn't go near him at first. I sat behind him for my ten minute break. As I sat there, I looked at this man. His hands dirty, his coat the same. His pants to thin for the cold and his shoes had walked quite a few miles. His hat looked to small. His hair was salty grey which surprized me. I had looked at his back long enough- I wanted to see his face. He was curled on that seat like he was in his own bed. I saw his hand under his head and his other arm out to the side. I suddenly remembered I had woke up just two mornings ago pretty much in the same position.

My life is different though. I live in a home. It is warm. I have food in the kitchen. I have a bathroom and a shower, even a washer and dryer. The dishwasher is broken but no matter - I have running water.

Who could this man be? I suddenly wanted to wake him and find out! Where did you come from? Where do you stay? Do you have any food? Where will you sleep tonight? Where is your family? Are you a father? Where is your mother?

I stood there beside him, watching him breath in and out. The way his lips moved I guessed he had not to many teeth. Surely his moma had stood over him while he slept! What had happened?
Was their anyone to say I love you? Did anyone care?

What should I do? I stood their knowing I had only two minutes left on my break. What could I do? I wanted to at least give a kind word. I glanced at my watch again and I went to the edge of the building. I stood there all of ten seconds and wipped the tears from my eyes, "Thank you,"

I said to the sleeping man. He never even knew. "Thank you for allowing me to love you if even from a distance... sleep now... rest."
When my shift ended an hour and a half later, he was gone. Yet, he will never be gone. I felt love for him as a mother - the same as my own son. I loved him as he slept because I knew he wasn't hurting, he wasn't hungry, he wasn't afraid and he wasn't ashamed or rejected, at least not while I was on break. I felt protective over him as I watched him sleep. I wanted to cover him up, put him in a nice soft bed, and have dinner prepared when he awoke. I thanked him for showing me the beauty of unconditional love.

Each day you awake, expect God to do something wonderful- He will not fail you.
On this day, beauty came from this mans storm and it was inside of me.
Aspire to love, aspire to grow and never be afraid to feel.

In the tender mercy God showed me this day,
Kathryn McKinney