Homelessness (and sparrows)
I was walking to the downtown Goodwill today when I found myself standing near a crosswalk waiting for light to change. There was a couple homeless guys there and we chatted for a few moments. This lady pulled up next to me and out of the blue handed me three bags, instructing that they were for each of us. I was a bit dumbfounded but I took them and she drove off.
Inside each of the bags was some food and a toothbrush and toothpaste (wonder if she was a dentist? ;-)) I gave two of the bags to the homeless guys whom I was talking to and mine to another guy.
I have to admit I was a little miffed for a few minutes, “I do not look homeless!” I thought, looking down and my new boots and work jacket. Of course I do carry a large backpack around and was talking to homeless people. Michael sugguested this evening that the lady gave us all one just in case I was homeless, she didn’t want me to feel left out. That makes sense.
I think it was so thoughtful of that lady to be out delivering simple food items to people in need (even if I was a case of mistaken identity.) I like seeing people giving food and clothes to the homeless more then I like seeing them give money. Money can sadly be misused by some. This is certainly the giving time of year, which is wonderful, but I think it is so important to give back to the community all year around. Homelessness and poverty are not simply winter issues. (That said I think that lady was in the regular habit of handing out food.) This month, some of my local group are having a Winter Solstice gathering and we are asking all who attend to bring a donation for Second Harvest. We are hoping to make this a regular habit at all out sabbat gatherings. I think this is a good time of year to start the new tradition though.
Anyhow I am glad their are nice people left in the world, it gives me hope for the future.
~~~
Completely unrelated: Why don’t birdwatchers like those little brown sparrows? I don’t understand, they are amazingly cute and inquisitive.
