REDISCOVERING MYSELF THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Fourth of July opportunity


It was the Fourth of July when my husband and I, lacking any kind of tradition on that day, took a drive to the largest town in the county. I wanted to eat outside in the sun, but nothing was open.  So we picked up a Chinese dinner for two at the grocery deli, plus one of those specialty sandwiches for me to have later.  Then we found a park with an empty table.  As we parked the car, this young man was under a nearby tree.  He was filthy dirty, and it looked as if he had everything he owned in a pile beside him.  As we got out with our bags of food, he said in a friendly  tone, "If you have any leftovers, I'll take them!"   We replied with a smile and "Okay!"        We sat at a nearby table next to the public swimming pool, and it wasn't 5 minutes before my husband said, "I'm going to give him your sandwich."   I agreed.   (It didn't take the young man long to devour it and carry the paper wrapping over to a trash can.)  We started on our Chinese food, which is always enough for two meals.   I started combining containers, and without speaking, we gathered up at least half of the food and put the containers in the bag again.  I said, "You give him your drink because mine is diet."  As we left, we stopped to hand the young man the food and drink, and I asked him if someone knew where he was.  He grinned and said  they did, and that he was waiting for his girlfriend to get out of jail.
So often, we are somewhat unsure of the panhandlers near the freeway entrance or at the road leading to Wal Mart, knowing that many of them make a pretty good living as a scam.   But this young man was no scam, and giving him food and drink on this Independence Day made our hearts feel good.  












8 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

i always feel that even if they're scamming, or will turn around and use it for booze or even drugs, their life is so much harder than mine, so i often give them a few dollars. back when i commuted into dallas, i got to know one who lived on the street near my office building, and i'd often pick up orange juice or a soft sandwich for richard (his teeth were rotted so he couldn't chew much). and he was honest enough to tell me he was a drunk. so the o.j. was often 'spiced' with vodka. but that was okay with me. he was a kind soul that needed kindness shared with him.

Anonymous said...

Evelyn,
What a sweet story to share with us. It just made me feel good to read this and see there are some kind and decent people, like you and your husband out there. It seems like in today's society, that most people turn a blind eye to those in need. I'm sure that this guy was so thankful to have the food you shared with him.
God bless you!

Debbie Linkous said...

My thoughts on those you are unsure of - Jesus tells us to act on faith. If you're heart feels led to help, then you should help. If they are scammers, they have to deal with their own actions, but at least you've been obidient to what we are told by the Lord to do. :) Thank you for sharing the story of your blessing!

momof M&MS said...

a beautiful story and photograph.. what a wonderful gift to be able to be the hands and feet of Jesus!!!

Karen said...

I pray you will be blessed for your kindness shown. This has touched my heart.

jo said...

Your husband gave him your (?) sandwich ( which made me giggle) and the chap gave you a story. Fair Xchange I would have thought. :-)

kayerj said...

how nice of you--you made a difference in his day. thanks for stopping by.

Anonymous said...

God bless you, your husband, the young man & his girlfriend! That makes my eyes tear up...