God knows our future

I felt sick to my stomach again, not just hungry for food, but for life. I needed something more but wasn’t sure what it was. I was coming down off of drugs and with only two dollars to my name it wasn’t clear where I’d lay my head that night. I was walking down a horrible part of town that I called home. On every corner here were the many people known as the decay of society. Prostitute’s, pimps and drug dealers we’re all around me along with many homeless people. The thought had never crossed my mind that I was actually homeless myself since I slept on so many couches that were in homes. That day however was my reality check. I hadn’t lined out a place to sleep for the night and without money and my sour attitude from the lack of drugs in my system, I was in a bad spot. A thought suddenly sprang into my mind and not a great one. I was going to strong arm a gas station. My thoughts were that if I got away with it I would have money for a hotel room with food. If I got caught I would go to jail and have a bed and free food. My mind was made up and my shoes made a b-line for the gas station doors. Something came over me though and my whole body turned and ended up at a phone booth where I had called the police on myself!!! I couldn’t believe what I was saying even as the words came spilling from my lips. I had told the operator what I was about to do and hung up the phone! I stood there in absolute disbelief and wasn’t sure what to do with myself at that moment. I decided to take a seat on the side of the gas station because the siren from the police car was already in ear shot. The squad car had pulled up, two police officers got out. They were looking straight at me, and asked if I was the one who made the phone call. I told them yes it was me and they asked what was going on. I told them about my situation and my plan. The officer looked at me and said,” out of all my years on the force I’ve never received a call like this.” He asked if I knew of a certain rescue mission here in town and I told him no. I asked what it was for and he told me that it was to help homeless people like myself. In that moment I realized that I was actually homeless. He asked if that’s what I would like to do. I told him quickly that I would love to give it a shot. He took me over in his car and had a word with the owner of the rescue mission. The man took me in and showed me everything. They had meals and church services. Not to mention showers and many bunk beds. They also had different things to do around the house to work for what you were given. This place was amazing to say the least and changed my life forever. That was 20 years ago and now I am a part of something greater than myself. I am on the board of the Oakdale rescue mission helping others like myself. God has a plan for each and every one of us and is the only one to know our future. Jeremiah 29:11 for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.