They were day laborers. They weren’t looking for a handout. They were looking for work. And they worked hard that day. That one day of work was all they were promised. They didn’t know what tomorrow would bring. Would they get the call? Would they work tomorrow?
They both had a story. One with four kids. The other lost his job as his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Both trying to provide. Both trying to make ends meet. And the ends were far from meeting. Both doing the best they could with what they were given. Oh. It wasn’t easy. And that was only the part of the story they told that day. There are always chapters of stories that are left out. Most people don’t want to share their entire story. It’s too painful or humbling. Some just can’t get the words out. There are many words that are left unsaid.
The work that day wasn’t easy, either. Moving furniture. Big heavy office furniture. But they worked. They moved the furniture. They earned their pay that day. They didn’t complain.
They came unprepared for lunch. No money. No snacks. And they did heavy labor. Back breaking labor. Lunch was provided for them. They ate the Wendy’s burgers as if it was their last meal. They profusely gave thanks. Even a handful of peanuts was appreciated.
I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you stopped to visit, I was in prison and you came to me. Matthew 25:36
But it wasn’t their story that was so remarkable. It was their questions. They had, by chance, been hired by a faith-based organization. Just for the day. The man who hired them talked of his life. And his faith. They were curious. How do you have peace when you have nothing? How do you make a difference in your child’s life? He shared. He encouraged. Let’s hope and pray that their hearts were open to hear the truth. To seek the truth. To live the truth.
This man was faithful to his calling. He has the gift of helps. He enjoys giving back. Helping those who can’t help themselves. He does it daily. Oh. It isn’t easy work. But it’s fulfilling.
He offered work. He bought lunch. He listened to their stories. He answered their questions. He made them feel valued. He shared faith. Oh. He had expectations of a full day’s work. He provided the example and was rewarded with hard work.
His day labor looks much different from those he hired. He must be faithful to the One who called him. He must choose every day to be faithful to the one who is faithful to him. His calling is sure. His work is to serve the underserved. The less privileged. The disenfranchised. He looks for opportunities to give back when others aren’t looking. He also is a day laborer. For this day is all he has. Tomorrow is not guaranteed.
Oh. May all who come behind us find us faithful.
Mercy for the Day 