A man staggered into our Centre at NightShift tonight holding his injured hand, looking for a Band-Aid.

His story? He had lost a fight with a street dog who obviously didn’t appreciate his friendly pat-on-the-head gesture. I’m thinking the canine’s crankiness might have had something to do with the fact that the gent was more than a little inebriated.

picture courtesy Jenelle Schneider, Vancouver Sun

Although busy with the night’s dinner activities, my sister, Susan (a former nurse), dropped her soup-stirring spoon on the stove and immediately went to his aid. I stood by her side as her nursing aid, passed tape and gauze, while I watched her efficiently dress his wound. She was impressive!

Looking back, I do believe his heart ‘owie ouch’ needed her tender attention more than his punctured hand.

After all was said and done, she pointed him in the direction of the clinic for a tetanus shot. As he got up to leave, he threw back his head, and belted out – in a drawling, off-key, gravely voice (I’m being kind here!) – a song to express his appreciation.

What a blessing! Tonight, I’m smiling. But, I have a challenge. I can’t get his song out of my head. Recognize it?

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know-oh-oh-oh-oh He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!

A song conveyed by a grateful-heart to a loving-heart. A caring heart who was willing to drop all to show God’s love. In spite of his homelessness, he praised God for His love shown by my sister.

The lyrics ring true in my heart as I snuggle in for the night. Humbled. I can face tomorrow, with all my ‘shifts’ and challenges, because He holds my future and makes my life worth living…knowing that He lives.