I failed

• Last evening's sermon - mostly from the Book of James - dealt with the manifestations of faith, i.e. works, through which we evidence that we are Christians. The associate pastor recounted stories from his college years of picking up hitch-hikers and such. Prior to the service, they ran a three or four minute video narrated by member and local sports guy Norm H., asking the congregation for gently used blankets, gloves, scarves and the like for the Austin Street Shelter. (BTW, if some weekend our pastor is out of town, I would be tickled to hear Mr. H. deliver the message.)
• I stopped by the grocery on my way home. On the way in, there was a woman standing off to the side of the entry, with some children. She held a sign. I glanced briefly enough to see that the sign said something about "I have three children...", and nodded as I walked into the store. The family looked vaguely Middle-Eastern.
• Once in the store, I set about quickly getting the items I needed, thinking that I would check my vehicle console to see if I had some folding money when I got done. After grabbing the first couple items, I reached in my pocket, and realized I had just enough money to make a small donation, and hurried to get the other three things I needed.
• After clearing the self-check line, I looked toward the door, but didn't see the family. Carrying my bag out, I looked up and down the sidewalk, and across the parking lot, but didn't see any sign of them, even though it had been just a few minutes. I got in my car and scanned the parking lot...still nothing. I drove across the boulevard to the other supermarket - not there, nor at the fast food place out front, nor the coffee retailer in front of the first one.
• My heart was heavy, as I had failed to act when I had the chance. Whether they left dejected, or were asked to leave by the store manager, I can't know.
• While my intended donation might not have made much of a difference financially, I would have hoped that it could've sent the message that God cares about them. 
• I pray I don't whiff the next opportunity.

Matthew 25:40