I was just leaving Coles, wandering why I always leave with so many bags of shopping when all I originally went there for was a carton of milk...
...when a disheveled man approached me.
I could tell right away he was homeless.
"Excuse me, Madam" he began
Madam? how old does he think I am? Surely I don't look like a 'Madam' yet?!?
"Could you spare $2.00? I've uhh...I've not eaten all day"
He didn't look at me as he spoke, his eyes were lowered to the ground.
Filled with compassion, I put my bags down, got out $2 and put it into his grubby palm.
"Thank you" he said simply, nodded, offered a smile...and shuffled off.
I picked up my bags, wondering instantly if I'd done the right thing.
Was this guy really hungry or is he just asking everyone for money so he can get alcohol with it? Was he going to buy drugs? Have I just funded his next 'hit'? (is that what they call it?)
I had to shrug and remind myself - it was only $2.00 - no big deal.
I'm grateful that to me, $2 is easily affordable.
I turned around to witness the homeless man walking into the Coles supermarket. He was holding his $2 protectively in his balled-up fist - as if he was willing to fight anyone who took it from him...as if it were a great prize.
I felt ashamed and now wish I had given him more.
What a blessing to that hungry man if I had given him $10.00 - or $50.00 instead! Can you imagine?
"Here sir, go nuts"
Jesus would have loved that.
If I run into this man again, I'll do better xx
...when a disheveled man approached me.
I could tell right away he was homeless.
"Excuse me, Madam" he began
Madam? how old does he think I am? Surely I don't look like a 'Madam' yet?!?
"Could you spare $2.00? I've uhh...I've not eaten all day"
He didn't look at me as he spoke, his eyes were lowered to the ground.
Filled with compassion, I put my bags down, got out $2 and put it into his grubby palm.
"Thank you" he said simply, nodded, offered a smile...and shuffled off.
I picked up my bags, wondering instantly if I'd done the right thing.
Was this guy really hungry or is he just asking everyone for money so he can get alcohol with it? Was he going to buy drugs? Have I just funded his next 'hit'? (is that what they call it?)
I had to shrug and remind myself - it was only $2.00 - no big deal.
I'm grateful that to me, $2 is easily affordable.
I turned around to witness the homeless man walking into the Coles supermarket. He was holding his $2 protectively in his balled-up fist - as if he was willing to fight anyone who took it from him...as if it were a great prize.
I felt ashamed and now wish I had given him more.
What a blessing to that hungry man if I had given him $10.00 - or $50.00 instead! Can you imagine?
"Here sir, go nuts"
Jesus would have loved that.
If I run into this man again, I'll do better xx
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