Hope beyond the Coffee
Jeff was just waking up from last night's sleep. He had found cover under the entrance to our thrift store, a pretty regular spot for many in his situation. I (Captain Vinal) had just finished making a fresh pot of coffee for church that morning and grabbed the first clean mug I could find. Across the parking lot I went to give him a fresh cup of coffee - in a real mug.
When you spend so much time drinking from Styrofoam a real mug is a big deal.
We chatted for a moment about The Salvation Army and his time as a beneficiary at one of our recover centers, he shared that he wanted to go back to rehab, he needed to go back. His life was not where he expected it to be, I imagine we all can understand that feeling, but he was ready to do what he needed to forge a new path forward. We made arrangements for that afternoon to have his intake appointment at a Salvation Army recovery center. I assured him that I could get him to the center as soon as he was done with intake and by tonight, he could be sleeping in a bed. I walk back inside, but Jeff stayed near the thrift store drinking his coffee.
He never showed for that appointment, but the mug is gone. I believe the mug will serve as a fresh start for Jeff. Maybe one day this week, maybe a year from now, he will see the mug and remember The Salvation Army was there, is there, and will be there again when he is ready.