Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: KINDNESS (11/04/21)
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TITLE: Look For the Opportunities | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Fahy
11/10/21 -
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“Hey Phil.”
Phil dropped his head looking at his tray. He mumbled, “Hey.” Having been served his food Phil rushed to the far end of the room.
Frank looked out over the crowd and knew most of them would be sleeping in the streets tonight. The peopled filed out as soon as they finished their meal. Frank called to Phil. Phil held up his right index finger.
Michael, one of the volunteer servers, walked past Frank and said “You’ll have your hands full with that one.”
Frank laughed. “Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind and compassionate with one another.”
Phil approached Frank. “Phil where are you sleeping tonight?”
“With a friend.”
“Come on I’ll give you a lift.”
Phil hesitated.
“Look stay with me tonight.”
Phil looked away.
“Come on,” Frank said, “for one night.”
Phil surrendered and they drove to Frank’s condo. Frank gave him a tour of the two bedroom two bath condo. The living room had a ten foot stone fireplace. Off to the side, was the kitchen and dining area. It was small, comfortable, and safe something Phil needed at this time.
“Throw your clothes in this trash bag Phil. Look in that dresser, you’ll find something that fits.”
“Shower?” Phil asked.
I nodded to where it was. “We can take care of business tomorrow. Coffee at seven.”
He gave me a thumbs up.
Over coffee the next morning Frank listened to Phil’s plight for the last forty days.
“I can’t quit myself. These drugs beat me. I’m a loser. Lost my job.”
“Stop. You’re not a loser. No one can do it alone,” Frank said.
Phil sat there and stared into his coffee. “Yeah but…what I’ve done in my lifetime.”
“You are no different than anyone else.” Frank looked at Phil. “Lets go. You need clothes so we’re going to get you some of those hot GQ clothes at Goodwill.”
“Yeah but…money.”
“You sure say yeah but a lot. After Goodwill we’re off to the food store then home”
Frank was putting the food away and Phil emerged from the bedroom dressed in the clothes they bought.
“You look like a new man.”
“They feel pretty good.” Phil sat on the end of the couch palming his shirt making sure it was smooth. “I know I can’t stay here for ever. You’ve been kind to me.”
“Well there are options Phil.”
“Mine are limited.”
“If I can get you into a half-way house, would you be willing to go?
Phil looked at the ceiling. “I tried a half-way house before and it didn’t work.”
Frank laughed, “Yeah, I heard you weren’t a very good resident.”
“I can’t go on living this way.
“Let me see what I can do. Go take a nap. Shrimp and linguine for dinner.”
Frank gave Phil a few minutes before he called his friend Kurt. Kurt manages two half-way houses in town. Frank explained his situation. Kurt wasn’t keen taking in Phil. He finally conceded. Kurt promised to push the paperwork through and Phil could have a bed maybe by Saturday.
After dinner the duo sat on Frank’s patio drinking coffee. “I’ve always resisted surrendering to someone.” Phil said. “Surrendering makes me feel like I failed.”
“The only failure is not surrendering. We can’t do it alone.”
Frank read John 15:1-6 to Phil and was explaining the verses when his cell phone rang.
He answered it. “OK, no problem. Great job Kurt thanks.” Frank looked at Phil. “Well tomorrow morning you have a new home. You’ll be moving into Kurt’s half-way house at Decatur and Alta.”
Phil let out a deep sigh. “How can I repay you?
Frank smiled. “Look for the opportunities to be kind.”
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