A Surprising Thanksgiving Blessing

Earlier this week I was standing on Liberty Street outside of our office buildings holding my coworker’s baby. There was a lot of action on the street, as the Freestore Foodbank nearby was giving away boxes of food to those in need in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday. Naturally, the streets were filled and traffic was at a standstill in places, as we are located in one of the most impoverished areas of Cincinnati—Over-the-Rhine.

I was busy “ooohing” and “ahhhing” over my friend’s baby, when suddenly a man approached us carrying his newly claimed box from the food bank. I instinctively bristled and tightened my grip on the baby. What did this stranger want?

“Want some of my apples for your baby?” he asked, gesturing toward his box, which probably contained the best meal he would have in weeks—maybe longer.

Oh. He wanted to…share. Share some of what little food he was in possession of.

I immediately looked at Angela. We both smiled, said no thank you, and thanked him.

“Are you sure?” he asked again, nodding his head toward the box.

We again thanked him profusely, and said that we wanted him to enjoy everything he had. He smiled and walked away.

My mind immediately went to the teaching of Jesus in which the poor widow contributes all she has to the temple treasury, and though it’s much less than most, she has contributed more in the eyes of God.

Our brief encounter with this man and witness of his generosity provided a surprising Thanksgiving blessing—one that I’ve been reflecting on ever since.

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Featured image from our Liberty+Vine Facebook page

About the Author

Lindsey Simmons

Lindsey Simmons is the publicity, social and digital media manager at Franciscan Media. An animal lover, she shares her home with her rescue cat and dog. She’s a member of St. Gertrude Parish in Madeira, OH, where she’s served on the Stewardship Committee and with the young adult group.