The Gentle Nudge of the Spirit
 
The beggar holds up his cup to me
Saying without looking up
“Can you help me with a coin or two”
And I felt the nudge
 
But after thinking briefly about
why I shouldn’t, why I couldn’t...
I didn’t...I walked on
 
An elderly woman struggles with the door
Barely able to keep her balance
Struggling to hold her purse and bag
And I felt the nudge
 
But considering that I’m already late
And thinking “someone else will help”
I looked away
 
A young man who is hungry
Steals a piece of bread from the bakery
And as I looked the other way
And I felt the nudge
 
What harm is it, what if he really is hungry
I wonder: Should I help him?
But its not my concern
 
People in my office argue
And are disrespectful to each other
Spreading lies and gossip
And I feel the nudge
 
A young man struggles to change a tire
Not being strong enough to get it done
He strains and looks into traffic for help
Thinking someone else will help him
Yet I felt the nudge
 
How many times, How many instances
Has Jesus presented my brother in need
And I have not answered
How many times have I disregarded
The gentle nudge of the Spirit?