Wet Socks

We are asked all the time, what can I give that the homeless need and without hesitation we always say socks. Thick, short, white socks! We have seen socks be used as bandaids, we have seen socks go on top of some gross socks for extra thickness, we have seen socks make shoes almost wearable again and we have seen socks bring grown adults to tears.

Socks are a basic need that we take for granted if we are not homeless. We wash our socks, we put on clean pairs in the morning and if they get dirty during the day we take them off and put on another clean pair but what if you were homeless?

You walk everywhere. Your shoes are not top of the line and more likely than not have a hole or two. Your feet get wet and so do your socks. You don't have a washing machine and your socks are often not clean.

The other day I stopped at Walgreens to grab a couple of things and a homeless man was standing near the stop sign begging for help. I had no blessing bags in my car but I had a few extra dollars on me so I decided that when I went in the store I would get him something. (To be honest I was going to get a cold drink but I had a water and would be fine until I got home). 

I paid for the items- it doesn't have to be a lot to bless someone by the way. I got a six pack of peanut butter crackers and 2 iced tea cans for $2. Thank you sales that I could give a little protein and cold drinks to someone in need. 

I walked over to the man and asked him how he was doing. He was sad and said it had been a hard week and a rough day. I said I was sorry to hear that and that I would be praying for him but that I would like to offer him a little snack. He was so thankful and started to tear up. 

As I walked back to my car I realized that my sneakers and socks were wet. The spot he was begging at had a sprinkler system and had just been turned on and I was now wet. 

I was on my way to field hockey practice and realized that my feet would be wet the rest of the time and I thought about how much I would love a pair of dry socks and then I thought about that man. He must have longed for dry anything, socks, shoes, or house. 

I wish I could explain the thankfulness I had for the wet socks all practice as a reminder of how blessed I am. Thankful for the reminder to pray for the man on the corner of the street. A reminder to always carry socks in the car and to share whatever I have with those in need.

Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”