I read this story today:Author unknownI was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just comefrom the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work.Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society wouldconsider a bum.From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and nomoney. There are times when you feel generous but there are other timesthat you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those "don'twant 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 in front of the bus stop but he didn't looklike he could have enough money to even ride the bus.After a few minutes he spoke."That's a very pretty car," he said.He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scragglyblond beard keep more than his face warm.I said, "thanks," and continued wiping off my car.He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money nevercame.As the silence between us widened something inside said, "ask him ifhe needs any help." I was sure that he would say "yes" but I held trueto 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. We expect it fromthose of higher learning and accomplishments.I expected nothing but anoutstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook me."Don't we all?" he said.I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bumin the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gaugeshotgun.Don't we all?I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but Ineeded help. I reached in my wallet and gave him not only enough for busfare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Thosethree little words still ring true. No matter how much you have, no matterhow much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little youhave, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money ora place to sleep, 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 differentperspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite fromdaily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see.Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybehe was more than that.Maybe he was sent by a power that is great andwise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in themselves.Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him like a bum, then said, "go minister to that man cleaning the car, that man needs help."Don't we all?
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food for thought, in todays context man only of him self, selfish. We tend to forget the less fortunate. Should we reach out to those who are in need , without being asked , give more satisfaction which money can ever replace
lovely story to ponder and wonder, thank you for sharing it with us.
I so love the story. I just thought the car owner gave the homeless work to do so the latter could be of help to the former too.
Thanks for sharing it.
Good day!
-Lynne-
Replies
lovely story to ponder and wonder, thank you for sharing it with us.
Thanks for sharing it.
Good day!
-Lynne-