Why I Gave to the Homeless Man.

(Image Source: Pinterest)

Today on my way to my son Logan's speech therapy a homeless man was walking the intersection. I read his sign. My initial thought was why would I give him anything if he'll just probably use it on drugs. I wanted to look away, but my hand reached out for my little tin can full of nickels. I am broke. It is all I had as I had put $4 in gas before leaving for the appointment. It must have been all of $2, but I asked him "do you want this? It's just a bunch of coins, but it's all I have." He took it from me. Looked me in the eye and I could see his gratitude. The driver behind me handed him $10, and with that he crossed over to the gas station nearby more than likely to grab a bite. 

I'm not writing this so that you can feel bad for me because all I had to put in the tank was $4. Payday is tomorrow. It's been a rough month. We'll be alright. I'm writing this because we must not let our judgement cloud our ability to lend a hand. I'm grateful that although my accounts have a zero balance, probably withdrawn (I've given up on compulsively checking) we still have a roof over our heads. I'm grateful I was able to feed my family today, and they have a warm bed to fall asleep on tonight. 

I know what it's like to be hungry. To feel the pain in your stomach begging for food. I know what it's like to be so hungry that you're no longer hungry. I'm grateful that my children have never had to go without, but I know what it's like to wonder how you'll feed them today. I know what it's like to be grateful that you got through today, and tomorrow will be dealt with tomorrow. We are blessed to have what we have, but I don't know if I'll ever find myself in that man's shoes. 

I gave him all I had left because I don't care if he was really going to buy food or not. I didn't want to pass judgment when I really thought of it. My wish is that if the roles were reversed and I was the one asking for money and him at the intersection...he would do the same for me.