It was one of those cold crisp NYC mornings. The street was a buzz with the din of traffic and the smells of coffee and dogs filling the air. As I walk on the broken pavement I was filled with the sweetest nectar from the divine. It was a feeling of total peace and the recognition that in the eyes of each person that passed was the face of God. Each was a shining Soul whether they wore taters or a fine silk suit.

In the distant background I heard a voice call, “Rodney, Rodney!” I turned to see a figure a block away walking quickly to see me. It was my old friend Willie. Willie and I met each other some 30 years ago. We were each aspiring musicians he on trombone and myself on guitar. He was a wonderful player with great command of the instrument and bright each that shone with the creative spark of Soul. This Willie was different. 10 years of living on the street, years of crack cocaine had dimmed the once bright eyes now sunken. His clothes dirty and face covered in a sheen of grime as he chewed on a filter of a cigarette that was smoked an hour ago. I was truly glad to see him and found myself filled with compassion for this Soul, my friend, who had chosen this path.

We shook hands as he asked me if I had, “A couple of dollars.” I was on my way to the ATM to withdraw some money I said. If he wanted to walk a couple of blocks with me I would be happy to give him a few bucks. As we walked I asked spirit, “What does this Soul really want? I opened my heart to Divine love and felt wave after wave fill my being. The conversation immediately turned to his life. He mentioned to me that he was a still singing the HU, The result of a previous meeting that we had had. We talked about what he wanted in life. What his next steps might be. He said that he did not ever think about his next steps on his spiritual journey. Then the spirit, the Inner Master spoke to me, “He has given up. He feels that time has run out for him”. My friend Willie had given up on life. He did not realize that even as he walked the darkened streets searching for a scrap of food among the stray cats and dogs God was with him. He had not been forgotten for the Master was near and had sent me to remind him. I looked him directly in his eyes and said, “It is not to late.” God knows the dreams of every sleeping child and the hopes of every beating heart.” God loves you and you are not forgotten and there is always time to receive God’s love within the heart and awaken to ITs presence."

His eyes filled ever so slightly with tears as he listened. Then he said, Yes, I will ask God for my next steps. I never thought of that! He was daring to accept that he was worthy of God’s love. He was a daring to dream. As we reached the ATM I realized that I had left my wallet at home. I could offer him no money, but the Master offered healing and the gift of God’s love to one who thought that he was forgotten.


Epilogue: When God’s Love Comes Down

Hours later I was shopping for food in a small grocery store about ½ a mile away. The store was throwing out a wonderful aluminum display stand that was just what my New York City apartment needed. Carrying my groceries I tried to carry it home. I made it about two blocks when my arms began to give out under the 70 or so pounds of weight as well as the freezing cold.

Not more that 10 seconds later Willie turn the corner pushing an empty shopping cart. Hey Rodney he exclaimed. I was just thinking of you. I found a book after we talked called Reform Your Life. I think it is a wake-up call to me. As I smiled and thanked the Master for this gift, Willie said, “Hey, let me carry that for you. Lets put it in this cart”.

Of course it fit the empty cart perfectly. I asked Willie why he was in that neighborhood and why the empty cart. He never really answered just saying he was happy to help. The clouds parted and the sun shone down as I thanked God for saying thank you.