I worked for an investment firm in Denver, Colorado a LONG time ago.  I rode the bus to and from work and, on this particular day just before Christmas, I found myself sitting across from a young girl about ten years old.  

 

She was quietly watching everyone step in and out of the bus but what was most outstanding on this very cold day was the fact she had no coat.  It was below freezing out and she was shivering.  Her clothes told a story of poverty.  Her shoes were worn, her sweater was too big for her and her total demeanor was abject and, quite frankly painful to watch. 

 

I sat for a few minutes hoping someone would say something, maybe someone she knew.  It did not happen.  So I opened up a conversation.

"Where is your coat young lady?"  I asked in a non assuming manner.  I did not want to frighten her because I was a stranger.

 

"Mom promised me we would get one soon."  she replied and went back to looking out the window.

I could not believe I heard that.  I was not usually inserting myself in to someone else's life but I knew I needed to do something.

 

"You know what?" I asked.  I have a brand new coat at home and I've been hoping to find someone who would like the one I'm wearing.  Could that be you?"

 

"I could take it if you don't want it." she said.  And so I took off a beautiful, white coat and handed it to her.  She put is on and the smile on her face was more than enough.  I saw her (and my coat) get off the bus and walk away.  I never saw her again but I still remember that little girl on the bus.

 

Lord, I loved that coat.