As You Sow so Shall You Reap

Now go away.    The womans smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. What are you doing, lady? the man asked angrily. I said to leave me alone. Just then a policeman came up. Is there any problem, maam? he asked†¦ No problem here, officer, the woman answered. Im just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me? The officer scratched his head. Thats old Jack. Hes been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him? See that cafeteria over there? she asked. Im going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile. Are you crazy, lady? the homeless man resisted. I dont want to go in there! Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. Let me go, officer. I didnt do anything. This is a good deal for you, Jack the officer answered. Dont blow it Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. Whats going on here, officer? he asked. What is all this, is this man in trouble? This lady brought this man in here to be fed, the policeman answered. Not in here! the manager replied angrily. Having a person like that here is bad for business    Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. See lady. I told you so. Now if youll let me go. I didnt want to come here in the first place. The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street? Of course I am, the manager answered impatiently. They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms. And do you make a godly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings? What business is that of yours? I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company. Oh. The woman smiled again. I thought that might make a difference. She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer? No thanks, maam, the officer replied. Im on duty. Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go? Yes, maam. That would be very nice. The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, Ill get your coffee for you right away, officer. The officer watched him walk away. You certainly put him in his place, he said. That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this. She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently†¦Jack, do you remember me? Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. I think so I mean you do look familiar. Im a little older perhaps, she said. Maybe Ive even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry. Maam? the officer said questioningly. He couldnt believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry. I was just out of college, the woman began. I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldnt find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat. Jack lit up with a smile. Now I remember, he said.. I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy. I know, the woman continued. Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right. So you started your own business? Old Jack said. I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered. She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons Hes the personnel director of my company. Ill go talk to him now and Im certain hell find something for you to do around the office. She smiled. I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your fe et If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you. There were tears in the old mans eyes. How can I ever thank you? he said. Dont thank me, the woman answered. Thank God who led me to you.