Friday, July 22, 2011

Grateful...

I bought new running shoes today.  As I walked out of the store there was a man sitting at one of the neighboring deli's outdoor tables.  He asked if I had change for a bottle of water.  Today was the hottest day on record for the area.  The weight of my $100 shoes was suddenly heavy in my arms.

I told him I didn't have any change but I'd go in and buy him a bottle of water.  As I started to open the door to the deli he quietly, and hopefully, asked if he could also have a hamburger.  I grinned and asked what he'd like on it.

Everything.

When I placed the order I requested two bottles of water--my water bottle sitting in the Jeep would be warm by the time I got back to it.  I handed the man his meal--accepted his thank yous and God bless yous, told him he was welcome and to enjoy--and I went on my way.

Rounding the corner I came face to wheelchair with another haggard looking older man.  Handing him the second bottle of water, I told him that he looked like he needed it more than I did.

I could use some change. 


I'm sorry--this is all I have, but it's your's if you want it.

I had actually managed to find a parking spot under a tree.  Mainly because I had to back track on one way streets and parked on a side road.  My full water bottle was still cool.

And I made my way back home to a loving family, supper in the oven and air conditioning.  Everything in life I could have hoped for and more.

4 comments:

Evelina said...

Hi, I just stumbled upon your blog and read this post and I just had to say that it was very nice of you to give that man water and a hamburger. It makes me happy to read about these kind of things :)

It's Turtles All the Way Down said...

Like.

Donia said...

Last Sunday at PCC, the sermon was about how we view and treat and deal with the poor and homeless. Deut. 15:7,8. Not sure it was a very popular message, but it was powerful.

Anita said...

I'm a giver, too. Probably would have done the same. You are very kind to have done that. Does that mean I'm kind, too? :) I hope so.