Making amends

The other week, I vowed that I would try to lead a more compassionate life. Sure, I consider myself a good person. I would never knowingly do anything to hurt or harm another. I try to be nice and treat people how I would like to be treated.

There are times though, where I know I could have extended myself further. Really reached out to someone in need, but didn’t for whatever reason. Maybe I was too wrapped up in myself , too preoccupied with whatever I was going through at the time. Well, I was going to change that, or so I thought.

The day before yesterday, I had just checked into my hotel in Atlanta. Starving to death, I ventured out on the streets hoping to find something quick to eat. As I rounded the corner, I heard, “Can you spare some change?” Without skipping a beat,  I glanced at the man and stated ,“Sorry bud, I’ve got nothing.” In actuality, I did have something…

Eventually, I happened across a sandwich joint. As I’m sitting there, filling my stomach, my thoughts turned to that man on the corner. I‘m ridden with guilt. Why didn’t I stop and give him something? Was it because I didn’t have any small change? Was I threatened by his looks? Was I so wrapped up in satisfying my needs that I ignored someone who had greater needs?

All I know was that I had to make amends. I went back into line so I could buy him some lunch, hopeful that he would still be at the same corner. I figured a sandwich and chips might hit the spot , along with a few bucks. As I was waiting to place my order, he entered the restaurant and got some water from the fountain. I know he saw me, then he was gone.

I wasn’t able to track him down and was beyond disappointed. My mission then changed to finding a soul that could use a bite to eat. Funny thing , now that I wanted to give, there was no one to give to. I was almost back to my hotel and still had the sandwich in tow.

I approached an intersection, my hotel was to the left. I meandered to my right and far off in the distance, I saw a figure sitting on a ledge. I headed in that direction and as I got closer, I could see he was a street person. His shoulders were slumped, head down, and surrounded by bags. I got within a couple feet of him and said, “Sir, you look like you could use I a bite to eat."  Visibly startled, he looked up at me, a bewildered look in his eyes. I repeated myself and told him I had a sandwich and chips that I couldn’t finish. I asked if I could give the food to him.  He looked at me with the most appreciative look I’ve ever seen in my entire life and nodded yes. He then told me he was just saying a prayer. I could feel the tears well up in my eyes.

He extended his hand to shake mine. I reached out to grasp his hand and at that moment, made one of the most intense connections with a stranger that I’ve ever made.

As I walked away, he thanked me yet again. That moment will forever live with me. I know I will never be able to solve the homeless issue.  I’ll never be able to end world hunger. What I can do is show some compassion and make a difference, one person at a time.

Comments

[val]

Honey, that is so sweet. I love that you did this.

[Jess]

I love that you blogged this. I am guilty of the same when I am approached by street people. I wasn't always but I think living in NYC for a year got to be overwhelming. I'd literally be broke if I gave to all of the people who approached me in a day.

It's true.. we can't stop world hunger on our own but we can help those who are less fortunate. I'd rather buy someone a lunch than give to fundraiser charities. Some much of the money goes into the pockets of the organizers, and not where it belongs, in the hands of those who need it.

[Tina-cious.com]

That's awesome!

We could all do more... thanks for reminding me of that. :)