I parked my car. Pulled the e-brake into place. Locked my door. And briskly walked toward the entrance of Stater Bros reviewing my list of items I needed from Stater Bros. 

Just a weekly routine, repeated multiple times now. 

But this time, in the corner of my eye, I saw a man on the ground. A red backpack laid beside him. He was also holding a book. As I glanced a little longer, I made out the shape of large study Bible. At that moment, I promised myself that I would buy him some water or just some item to provide a segway into a conversation. 

I quickly finished my shopping, bought a bottle of water, and swiftly envisioned how I would introduce myself. Then I went out the sliding double doors.

Me: “Excuse me sir, would you like some water?” 

Stater Bros Friend: *Hesitation* 

Stater Bros Friend: “Yes, sure. Thank you very much.” 

Me: “Your welcome!”

I had a myriad of questions that I wanted to rapidly fire at him about his life story, but I did my best to keep it simple. 

Me: “Which book are you reading?” 

Stater Bros Friend: “I’m reading Genesis!” 

Me: “Wow! Reading it cover to cover?” 

Stater Bros Friend: “No. Just reading Genesis. I’ve already read it cover to cover multiple times.” 

Me: “That’s amazing! I’m reading Ephesians, it’s a wonderful book.” 

Stater Bros Friend: “Yes, it certainly is.” 

There was a certain calmness and joy that resonated in his tone and his character. There was spark behind the sky blue irises that looked back at me. He was a man, from what I could tell, who had lost everything. Yet, here he was. Smiling. 

I wanted to do so much more. Buy him a warm dinner and give him all the time in the world to tell his story. But for some reason I didn’t. Maybe I should have. Maybe i was still too caught up with my priorities and my life. But I had feeling that I would see him again. 

I said a quick Goodbye and was left pondering about my brief encounter with my newfound Stater Bros Friend. 

As I sat down driving back home, I couldn’t help but feel like I just owned too much. I had too many material possessions and really just too much unnecessary crap. My Stater Bros Friend owned a cellphone charger, a small suitcase of clothes and a Bible. Yet, the smile that reflected back at me was filled with an overflow of delight and organic bliss. 

What’s his secret? 

I wonder if it’s his faith and knowing that God loves him and walks with him even amidst a seemingly hopeless and lifeless circumstance. 

And I wonder, if these are lessons that I know I, and probably for many others, could also learn and practice as well. 

Till next time Stater Bros Friend. 

AL