crazy broom lady

i have driven by the same spot atleast 2-4 times a day for the last year. maybe it was that i was in a hurry and did not notice, maybe i was listening to whatever music was playing on my cd player, maybe i am just not as observant as i thought i was.

last month however i noticed her for the first time. her hair was matted and gray. her clothes were dirty and unkempt and she had a broom in her hand. she was sweeping the sidewalk. my first thought, well isnt that nice, someone taking pride in the sidewalks of pulaski. it was a couple days later that i noticed her again. this time she was standing on a bench about 10 feet from where i had seen her the first time. another time i was driving with some teens they referred to her as the crazy broom lady. i asked if she was there often. they laughed and said all the time. they said she has chased many cars off with her broom.

she has been on my heart lately as someone who obviously needs help. i am not sure where she lives but i do know where i can eventually find her. i am not sure if i will ever go up to talk to her, but it sure does show the need that is right here in our own small community.

but it brings me to this. i probably drove by her a multitude of times and never noticed the need. now that i notice the need i am not even sure that i want to do something about it or even if i would now what to do with it anyway. maybe she really is crazy and is off her medicine. but how many times are there needs in front of us everyday, people whom need help, and lives that need transformation. today i read in psalm 119:82 that "my eyes fail looking for your promise; i say when will you comfort me?"

so many people are asking this question, without knowing who they are asking it to. others might know who they are asking but are asking the wrong person. others might be speaking to God. but they feel there is no answer in sight. maybe we are the answer God is trying to give them.