I don’t know his name, but Jesus does. I saw him working at the bus station recently. He was climbing up into each bus on the terminal lot, in an attempt to sell tiny boxes of mints to the passengers. I watched him as he struggled and sometimes nearly fell, getting into bus after bus, climbing the high steps, maneuvering his way through the aisle, hoping to make a sale of 25 cents. I saw him. Someone who shouldn’t have to work and should be on disability, but in Ecuador, there is no such thing. Someone who should be receiving food stamps to aid in his financial need, but in Ecuador, there is no such help. Someone who should be getting some type of financial assistance, but again, in Ecuador, there is none. So, to put food in his belly, he was working. Getting up into bus after bus, struggling with his crutches. Some laughed, as he passed by and tried to do an honest job. My heart was bursting with compassion!
I anxiously awaited for him to come into the bus I was on, and finally, he did. I couldn’t wait until he got to my seat to offer his tiny box of candy. I wasn’t hungry, I had plenty to eat, but yes indeed, I bought several boxes from him, and I saw him. Not his crutches, not his twisted legs, I saw HIM! So, I gladly gave him my money and holding back big tears that were already in my eyes, I offered him a smile and a big cheerful “I hope you have a wonderful day today, full of blessings from the Lord”. He absolutely lit up! He paused for a moment at my seat, almost in shock of my response to him, and then returned my smile with a ‘Thank you so much, and may God bless you very much for that!” I’m sure I saw tears in his eyes, too!
As he left the bus, I prayed for him, for his safety, for his health, and to have a day full of many sales and plenty from the Lord. I watched him go on to the next bus, and I thought of others who have it so much easier; have nice cars to drive to work, are in good health, and yet, still complain about their jobs. I sat there sobbing. And asked the Lord to forgive us all, those of us who take for granted all the blessings that we have. I thanked Him that I can walk, that I have 2 good feet to stand on, 2 good strong legs to take me wherever I need to go. But mostly, I thanked Him for having sent along that man, the one whose name I do not know, but Jesus does!
