I parked in front of the market sitting inside my car waiting for my son to get few items from the supermarket.
Coming my way from across the road was what society would consider a "tramp".
From his looks, he had no home, no clean clothes, and no money.
There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered.
This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times."
"I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought.
He didn't.
He came and sat on the curb nearby but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even get a good meal.
After a few minutes, he spoke.
"That's a very nice car you have there" he said.
He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him.
I said, "thanks," and continued listening to the car radio.
He sat there quietly and the expected plea for money never came.
As the silence between us widened something inside me said, "ask him if he needs any help."
I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice.
"Do you need any help?" I asked.
He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget.
We often look for wisdom in great men and women and we expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments.
I expected nothing but outstretched hands.
He spoke three words that shook me.
*"Don't we all" ?* he said.
I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, until those three words hit me like a shotgun.
*Don't we all?*
I needed help.
Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep or a meal,
but I needed help.
I reached in my wallet and gave him enough to get a warm meal and few other things for the day.
Those three little words still ring in my ears.
No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished,
you need help too.
No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems,
you can give help.
Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that.
You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all.
They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have.
A different perspective on life,
A listening ear,
A kind word,
An understanding smile....
The man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets.
Maybe he was more than that.
Maybe he was sent by a power that is Great and Wise,
Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a tramp, then said, "go minister to that man inside the car, that man needs help."
*DON'T WE ALL?*
Let’s spend this lockdown period to reflect on life’s true meaning.
We come, we go; the in between defines who we truly are.
Stay Blessed.
Coming my way from across the road was what society would consider a "tramp".
From his looks, he had no home, no clean clothes, and no money.
There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered.
This was one of those "don't want to be bothered times."
"I hope he doesn't ask me for any money," I thought.
He didn't.
He came and sat on the curb nearby but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even get a good meal.
After a few minutes, he spoke.
"That's a very nice car you have there" he said.
He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him.
I said, "thanks," and continued listening to the car radio.
He sat there quietly and the expected plea for money never came.
As the silence between us widened something inside me said, "ask him if he needs any help."
I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held true to the inner voice.
"Do you need any help?" I asked.
He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget.
We often look for wisdom in great men and women and we expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments.
I expected nothing but outstretched hands.
He spoke three words that shook me.
*"Don't we all" ?* he said.
I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, until those three words hit me like a shotgun.
*Don't we all?*
I needed help.
Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep or a meal,
but I needed help.
I reached in my wallet and gave him enough to get a warm meal and few other things for the day.
Those three little words still ring in my ears.
No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished,
you need help too.
No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems,
you can give help.
Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that.
You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all.
They are waiting on you to give them what they don't have.
A different perspective on life,
A listening ear,
A kind word,
An understanding smile....
The man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets.
Maybe he was more than that.
Maybe he was sent by a power that is Great and Wise,
Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a tramp, then said, "go minister to that man inside the car, that man needs help."
*DON'T WE ALL?*
Let’s spend this lockdown period to reflect on life’s true meaning.
We come, we go; the in between defines who we truly are.
Stay Blessed.
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