6 - Okay...

"At this moment, he stood still while his remaining classmates walked on.  A young lady, touched his shoulder and said, “You okay Carlos?”  

2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”(ESV)
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“Your test is this:  Leave this campus, find 3 people in need, and help them out individually.  Upon completion, take a selfie with the person and have them sign one of the numbered lines below.  After the completion of each act of benevolence, you are to write a 250 word paper describing the experience.  You have 2 weeks to complete this task.  Good luck.”

Without fail, they looked up at nearly the same time and the professor said, “You’re dismissed” and walked out of the classroom.  The students sat silent for a short while.  And slowly began to gather their things, pack them up, and head out like the professor. 

As the students walked the empty hallways, they all began to ask each other questions.  Questions, that none of them really knew the answer to. 

Like, “Does it matter who we help?” Or, “Can we help family?”

But not Carlos.  No, Carlos’ mind was racing in silence.  Indeed, he didn’t fully understand the situation, but what he did know was enough to cause him to become attentive.  In one class period, he went from potentially losing his scholarship because of an F; a loss that would have surely sent him back to Miami with no chance of change.  And in a few long minutes, he was vindicated and given a chance to change the story. 

At this moment, he stood still while his remaining classmates walked on.  A young lady, touched his shoulder and said, “You okay Carlos?” 

He thought, smiled, looked at her and replied, “I’m better than okay, I’m blessed.”  With that, walked off campus, and began his mission.  He began looking for someone, anyone whom he could help.  He walked for 15 minutes in search of any ailing person.  As he made his way closer to mini-mall, he saw a homeless man seated, soliciting for money. 

Feeling like this was easy, he immediately reached into his pocket to give the man his last $15.00.  However, he couldn’t help the feeling of wanting to do more.  So, he asked himself this question, concerning the performance of his assignment:

“If I were in the shoes of this man, what would make me happier than anything?”

With that, Carlos approached the man, sat down beside him, and said hello.  He asked, “what’s your name?” 

Apprehensively, the man said, “Juan Vargas.”  Carlos said, “Hi Juan.  My name is Carlos.” And then extended his hand towards the man for a handshake.  Juan was even more curious about Carlos.  He pondered strategically to figure what was his angle.  After all, it wasn’t every day that people even noticed him; let alone, offered conversation or a cordial handshake. 

Juan asked, “are you the police?  Because, if you are, listen, I’m not looking for any drugs or trouble or…”

​“No”, Carlos softly interrupted.  “I’m a student at VSU.  I’m actually pretty hungry and I wanted to see if you’d like to join me for a meal?”

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