Like it or not, homelessness is a huge problem even in the most developed of countries.
Without guaranteed shelter, without knowing where their next warm meal is going to come from, those who live on the streets commonly live a life of abject despair and constant worry.
Which is why it’s of paramount importance that we who are better off look to help where we can. Small gestures here and there can make a massive difference in the long run, and it’s through such acts that we can try to inspire homeless people to turn their lives around.
Joey Mustain and his daughter were enjoying a quiet meal in Chick-fil-A when a homeless man came in and approached the counter. Little did Joey realize at the time that the restaurant manager was about to do something that would force him to take to social media …
Joey and his daughter Stella had gone out for a meal at their usual spot: Chick-fil-A. Whilst in the middle of their meal they noticed a man come in looking a little worse for wear, but when he approached the counter he became one half of a truly special interaction.
Joey posted the story to Facebook the moment he got home: “I took Stella to Chick-fil-A today. It’s our normal daddy-daughter spot. It’s clean, so good, and the playground has a tractor beam on her the moment she sees it.
When we finished eating and she’d worked up her dessert appetite playing with the other kids, we went back to trade in her toy for ice cream. She wanted to sit at a table to eat the cone (something we usually do in the truck), and I’m so glad she did.
We took a booth right next to the spot where you wait for your drink to be ‘refreshed,’ and we had a front-row seat to this beautiful scene: a homeless traveler had walked in and asked if they had any extra food.
Mud was wet and caked on his well-traveled shoes.
His hair was matted, and his beard wasn’t a statement as much as it was a necessity and a sign that he doesn’t get to shave as often as most of us do.
People near him kept their distance, but that didn’t stop him from being kind. He spoke to people who reluctantly spoke back, and he smiled while he waited on a manager.”
“All I could pick up on of the conversation was the manager saying that he’d love to give him a full, warm meal. Not just scraps or extras.
The only thing he required was that the man let him pray with him.
After the homeless man agreed, there was no waiting for things to die down, there was no scooting anyone to the side.
As busy as they were, the manager stopped then and there, laid his hand on the man, and proceeded to pray.
I heard love in that prayer. The homeless man wasn’t some untouchable stain on business. He was the reason that store opened its doors this morning (or any morning).
I asked Stella to watch and she stared. She asked what was happening and when I told her, she bowed her head, too.
I realized then and there that Chick-fil-A doesn’t simply do business for profits, they truly use business to minister….
I love teaching my daughter life lessons, and I also love being there to watch other Christians teach her life lessons. Thank you, Chick-fil-A, for taking care of the latter today.”
Kind turn
Of course, it would have been all too easy for the manager to usher the man out of his restaurant and send him on his way. Instead, however, he opted for the route of compassion. Not only did he see that the man needed some support, but he realized it would take very little out of his business to make a large difference.
During times of hardship – so often accentuated by the cold weather – it’s more important than ever to keep in mind those who are less fortunate – for whatever reason – than ourselves. A small act of kindness doesn’t take much thought or effort, and yet it can result in large ripples in the overall scheme of things. Always remember to do your best to be the person you want to be, not simply the person society dictates.
A huge thumbs up to this manager, and a big thanks to Joey for shedding light on a story that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
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