Search This Blog

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Homeless and Suspended....

Today, I was leaving the grocery store, and at the end of the street standing by the traffic light, there was a man, a homeless man, with a sign that said "homeless, need help, will work for food."  Now, like many of us, as we pass by the homeless, we either try not to look or we scramble in our cars to dole out the last bit of change we have. 

I rolled down my window and handed the man a dollar that I had balled up with the change I had in my car.  He said "thank you!"  The light hadn't changed yet, and I hadn't rolled up my window.  He said to me, "do you know of any job openings, because what I need is a job."  I responded, "no sir, I sure don't."  I was struck by this man's eyes.  He had sincerity in his eyes. He had sadness in his eyes.  He had desperation in his eyes.  The light changed and I proceeded.

I was able to move forward with my life.  But this man's life was stagnated by his lack of employment.  As I thought about this experience, I thought about how we are often so ungrateful for the things that we have.  I was able to drive myself to the grocery store...able to buy groceries...and able to go back to my home to enjoy.  This man, this homeless man...stood...suspended in time...without a place to go...without a job...with nothing but the items he had with him.  And yet, he was grateful for the money he received and not without hope, the hope in still looking for a job. 

So today, I was reminded that I am incredibly blessed.  I was reminded to take stock of the things that matter...and to be grateful for the things that bring me joy.  I will continue to reach out to those in need...I will continue to share love with those that matter.  So like the homeless man was suspended in his current condition, I suspended all of the trivial things that weighed so heavy on my mind...suspended long enough to be thankful for all that I have...and thankful for my place in this life. 

Each of you...count your blessings!

And that's straight out of the she-spot....!