I felt the need to write about my interesting experience last night. Not because it hasn't happened before, but because my reaction has changed about this type of situation. (Disclaimer - I am not saying I am going to walk around doing this every day, but I have my moments. And if anything like this makes you get the serious bad-feeling heebie-jeebies, make the best decision you can).
Onward. Ok, so as my hubby and I left a restaurant late last night, a man stopped us outside. He explained that he was jobless and had no money to feed himself and his child. He also told us how he had been asking people and how one man offered his food, then dumped it on the street. We talked with him for what seemed like a while, but in all honesty it couldn't have been more than fifteen minutes. He never asked for anything at all. Not once.
And then I did something I never thought I would do voluntarily. I had some extra cash (not a lot) and gave it to him and asked if it would help. Honestly, he looked like he was going to break down. (btw - no, he didn't look like he was needing any sort of fix - and yes, I am pretty good at knowing the signs). He told us he wished he could do something in return. I knew he couldn't so - I told him to think of this in the future and pay it forward. As we parted ways, he thanked us again and told us we were both angels.
I did this because I
-know how it is to have almost no money, thankfully I have an amazing supportive family.
-about a year ago someone helped me change my blown tire, and I tried to give them some cash, and they simply told me to pay it forward.
-I realized that the money I gave him might just be spent on something I don't really need. And he needed food. That's a little more important.
In summary, I realized, as of late, that we are all human and my compassion for the world has been growing exponentially. And to the man we met - I hope you find whatever help you need.
Onward. Ok, so as my hubby and I left a restaurant late last night, a man stopped us outside. He explained that he was jobless and had no money to feed himself and his child. He also told us how he had been asking people and how one man offered his food, then dumped it on the street. We talked with him for what seemed like a while, but in all honesty it couldn't have been more than fifteen minutes. He never asked for anything at all. Not once.
And then I did something I never thought I would do voluntarily. I had some extra cash (not a lot) and gave it to him and asked if it would help. Honestly, he looked like he was going to break down. (btw - no, he didn't look like he was needing any sort of fix - and yes, I am pretty good at knowing the signs). He told us he wished he could do something in return. I knew he couldn't so - I told him to think of this in the future and pay it forward. As we parted ways, he thanked us again and told us we were both angels.
I did this because I
-know how it is to have almost no money, thankfully I have an amazing supportive family.
-about a year ago someone helped me change my blown tire, and I tried to give them some cash, and they simply told me to pay it forward.
-I realized that the money I gave him might just be spent on something I don't really need. And he needed food. That's a little more important.
In summary, I realized, as of late, that we are all human and my compassion for the world has been growing exponentially. And to the man we met - I hope you find whatever help you need.
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