An Extra Meal

A Miracle Moments Story: An Extra Meal

A few years ago, when the COVID virus was booming & thriving, I recall going to a restaurant. This restaurant, like every other restaurant, wasn’t allowing indoor dining. Instead, (in order to generate income) they were providing takeout meals. I must say that this restaurant had the best fish and grits I had ever tasted. The texture of the grits alone was just multidimensional. It truly was an absolute exhilarating experience. So, the plan was to get takeout, sit out on the dock of the bay ;-). Watching the tides and boats go by while enjoying this mouthwatering meal. Surprisingly, the restaurant owner provided us with a third meal. I had asked about their pulled pork dish, as it sounded absolutely delightful. After asking, I still decided on the fish and grits, as I knew it wouldn’t disappoint.

Once our order was ready, the owner told me that he also included the pulled pork meal I asked about. It was an extra meal given, For Free! He was grateful for our loyalty & for us supporting his small business, especially during this difficult time of quarantine. I expressed my gratitude, bursting with excitement, ready to savor these decadent dishes. All while enjoying a beautiful view of the bay.

We got our food and walked over to the dock. The pulled pork meal was served over a bed of beautiful golden-brown fries. Naturally, I had to taste it. It was just one little bite & boy was it good!!

Shortly after sitting down, we realized we were missing our utensils. Darn it!!!! Now we would have to walk back two blocks to the restaurant.

As we walked toward the restaurant, in a distance, I noticed a man walking towards us, wrapped in a blanket. We however, instantly turned into the restaurant before I was able to pay him much attention. My growling belly kept me focused on food. It had a perfectly laid out spot within it, for this meal to be properly welcomed and embraced.

Once inside, we told the hostess we needed utensils. She gave us three disposable, individually wrapped utensil packets, instead of just two. “Oh…We don’t need three” I said, attempting to return the third. “Just keep it” my friend interrupted me. Fine whatever, I thought. “Go eat already!!” my stomach growled. We walked out of the restaurant again and headed towards the crosswalk. Once there, we waited for the light to turn green, to cross the street.

While waiting, I noticed the same man in the blanket walking to my right. He was homeless, I sadly realized. It was in this moment I heard my inner spirit say “Ask him if he’s hungry” … Oh no!!! I really don’t want to! Already internally grieving one of the two meals. I knew I would no longer be able to fully experience and ultimately stuffing myself beyond capacity with both meals. Again, I heard the message “ask him if he’s hungry” Ughhh… “FINE!!!” (holding back, a single tear). I looked over at him and asked… “Are you hungry, Sir?” He didn’t say anything, but he nodded. My heart broke for him. I didn’t think to delay offering him one of the meals.

I surrendered the pulled pork meal, and he quietly accepted. I then said, “Sorry Sir, but you’ll have to eat it with your fingers because we don’t have more utensils.” He nodded & looked down at the meal… “But she gave us three packets, remember?” My friend interjected. Oh yes!!… That’s right, how could I forget so quickly?!?. I was definitely food deprived. “THREE!” I said with excitement… “We have Three utensil packets!” I exclaimed. “This was meant for you!” feeling strangely elated. He gazed back at me blankly. I handed him the third utensil packet and then watched him slowly, walk away.

That extra meal was never mine to keep. The free meal & the third utensil package was meant to be given to this man. After a brief internal struggle, I obeyed and ultimately felt blessed to have witnessed my heavenly father provide for someone in need. In a miraculous way, through me.

Exercise
Try the act of giving. It could be in money, your time, or in things. It doesn’t matter how big or small. Start your day with a prayer on how you can be a blessing to someone. Keep an open mind, as it may be a little out of the way. It may also be out of your comfort zone. However, if it’s meant to be, your spirit will keep nudging you. It may even provide you with the perfect opportunity in convenience to give. These moments however often appear when you not searching for them, or at a moment you may want to resist. Be obedient. Not only will that person receive God’s blessing through you, but you too will feel blessed in doing so. Remember, the beauty of giving is not for the approval or validation from others. Instead, hide from your left hand what the right hand is doing. Let your act of giving be led by God. Give him the glory, all while empowering your relationship with Him, through obedience.

Mathew 6:2-4

Check out another one of my written blogs The Missing Point