Something very powerful happen to me today. I bought someone breakfast. I know that doesn't sound like it was a big deal but for me it was.
My mom and I went out to breakfast this morning. As we were walking into the building someone approached me. He asked me if I had any money to spare. I could tell this young man was homeless and has gone through some hard times out on the street.
I rarely carry any money on me and today was no different. I told this young man that I had no money on me. But instead of going on about my business words spit out of my mouth before I realized what they were and before I could stop them. I told him "I couldn't give him any money but I could buy him breakfast." I think we were both a little surprised. His face lit up and and he responded with an enthusiastic "Ok." As this dialogue was going on I realized there was a woman sitting behind him on the ground. I ask her if she would like breakfast too. She was a little surprised and happy. She got up and joined the young man.
I held the door open for the couple as they walked in. We waited for the person to come and take our order. The couple was fidgeting and a little nervous. As I watched them I realized they were not sure what the could order. I told them to order what ever they wanted. The only thing that came into my mind was that these two might not have anything else to eat today. I wanted them to order what they needed to get through the day. Then very sheepishly the young man asked me with his head down if he could order an extra hamburger for his friend. I smiled and said of coarse.
The couple ordered their meal and waited patiently for their order. They were very gracious and said thank you a couple times.
This one encounter with this couple warmed my heart. It made me feel so good. Not because I was going to be recognized or praised for doing something for someone less fortunate. But because I treated someone as a human being.
I have heard and read a lot things said about the homeless. How its not our problem. They need to get off the street and get a job. They are making the city unsafe for us and so much more. I am not saying that these statements are untrue. In some cases they are very true and in others they're not.
When everything is said and done I want to be judged for what I have done on this earth, not for what others have done. I want to be judge for treating a fellow human being as a person. For lending a hand to someone who could not repay me. For doing what I know is right. And I hope someone out there in this great big world feels the same and will treat me with that same respect.
