Otis

Once, and older man was in the middle of his daily routine. A very thoughtful, analytical type of guy. He wasn't a man that needed a routine but he worked very efficiently within one. It gave him more time to think and to contemplate the big questions that always seemed to be on his mind. On this day, when he reached the post office he entered just as he normally did. He went to his P.O. box then took care of his business with the familiar faces at the counter afterward. Walking out to his car his perspective would be changed. His routine would be added to in a way that he never could have imagined.

A strange man approached him. Strange in the way that he addressed him as friend without so much as even an introduction, or name. The man was strange in the way he smelled, looked, walked and spoke. His charcoal skin was rough and dirty, he eyes yellow and red, sore from the sun. Nothing could be noticed about the mas clothes because the attention his eyes demanded made it hard for the older man to care what he was wearing. As the strange man approached he asked the older man for some change. At this point he had gained the older man's attention because he had just emptied his glove box out the day before for someone else.

Pausing the older man explained why he didn't have change. The strange man became annoyed having heard the story before and started to walk away. The older man stopped him saying "wait now, I would love to help you but I just don't have any cash." The strange man looked back and asked, "well how about a meal from the store up here?" Looking the older man got in his truck, pointed in agreement  and pulled to the front of the store. After going inside and purchasing a "combo" the older man began to walk away having done his deed. The strange man shouted accolades to the older man, almost jumping out of his skin at the thought of the meal he was about to eat. The Older man now sitting in his truck rolled down the passenger window and asked for the strange mans name. "Otis," he replied. "Well Otis, you enjoy that meal and I will be praying for you," the man said as he pulled off. 

Days went by, each time the man got to that same point in his day, he thought of Otis, and he prayed. In coming and leaving from that area the man would consider what he would do if Otis were to approach him again. Would he buy another meal or would he pass by? 

A week went by and the moment came when Otis, a bit more familiar spotted the older man. Before he could ask him anything the older man said, "You hungry?" Otis in disbelief answered "Yes , sir." 

"Well lets get you something to eat." said the older man as he pulled his truck to the same place. He walked inside as Otis became just as excited as before. "Combo!" Otis yelled. The older man asker Otis, "so how have things been this past week?" 

"Oh, see the work force hasn't been sending anybody out in a few days." answered Otis. 

"Well, I'll keep praying," repeated the man.  

More time went by and the old man began to think if he should continue to help Otis. He was not a well set man by any means, but at the same time he wasn't poor either. Paycheck to paycheck, owing the bank money and still trying to make ends meet. Would the prayers really pull through? Would he have enough? 

Then came the day, again in the post office, this time delayed, stood the older man deep in thought again. Will he be out there? What should I ask him? How has he been? Then he began to pray for Otis. As he walked out, Otis walked out of a building near by. The older man waved and Otis asked, "hey buddy, could you help me out one more time?" "Sure, exclaimed the man!" This time the man walked with Otis down the street to the store. "What would the man say to him?" thought the older man. 

Before anything came out of his mouth Otis asked "why is it that you are so kind to me?"

Stopped in his tracks by the rush of realizing a prayer had been answered he said, "Christ has gotten a hold of my life and I want to show love to you." Words began to flow out of his mouth, "He created me just like he created you. I'm not rich by any means but I'm doing alright. So you are having a rough time, I'm here to help. Christ said to do this for the least of these. I'm praying for you and I know that this is what God is calling us to do." In shock Otis asked for the older man to pray for him then and there. They did and the older man got in his car and left with a friendly goodbye and a prayer of thanks. Who knows what he may ask next!

Who is your Otis?