I was challenged recently to perform an act of kindness. It got me thinking about how much kindness I show to the world each day. I Made Bad Choices. I clearly show kindness to my children and other family and friends, but what about strangers?
Last week I saw a man. He was standing on a median with a sign that hit me.
I Made Bad Choices
It made me see that this man was really just a man. He could be my brother, or uncle. He started out innocent and loved and was now on the street begging for strangers to offer him a hand up (or a hand out).
I handed him a $10 bill.
Would he go spend it on drugs or alcohol?
Maybe, probably.
Do I care?
Nope.
I offered that man a bit of peace. Something to tell him that someone cared about him. It was easy and I felt good.
As I always do, I had my kids in the car. They asked me why I did that. I was given the opportunity to explain to them about kindness and giving and how we can show love to others. It was worth $10.
I always used to not give cash (in college I lived in the city and was asked for help a lot. I also didn’t have any cash to speak of…) I would give bus cards or a meal; in the city, it was easy to do that. But as an independent adult, I realize that cash is the only solution that will help a lot of problems, at least the only realistic one for a stranger to give. I’ve struggled with the idea that it might make someone’s life worse instead of better if it’s used on the wrong things…but that’s their responsibility. Mine is to be kind and help those in need. Right? Good post. 🙂