Sydney kept asking people to play tag, and eventually a bunch of us were literally running wild in the streets. A few of the homeless guys played and a whole lot of them cheered on and laughed joyously.
There was, however, one older man standing a ways behind me, who was not enjoying himself. I kept hearing him cussing and being pretty upset at us for some reason, and he eventually came up to me, to make sure I heard him. He was really upset that we were having fun and playing games. He kept bringing up all the sadness and how everyone playing was ignoring how horrible everything was and he said his wife was in the hospital dying...
I kind of tried to ignore him, because I'm pretty shy and unconfrontational and just didnt know what to say in general. One of the other homeless guys kept telling him things like "everyone else is enjoying themselves" and "no one else seems to mind man". I almost found myself upset at this guy who was taking such a beautiful joyous thing and being so against it. He eventually went away.
I left and didn't really think of him too much more... until I was on my way home, and the memory of him being right there by me, being so upset came rushing back and in my head, I turned and hugged him, and told him there was hope and that G-d cared for these things and loved Him and I prayed with Him. I broke down with the thoughts of what could have been... I feel like I failed to show G-d's love to this man who was so hurt... I'll never be able to forget this. I can't think about his face or words without crying.
And I hope this encourages you to show G-d's love. Always. When you uncomfortable, when your scared, when you just don't know what to do. We are called to be His hands and feet... and I kept my hands to myself that day...
4 comments:
those beautifully vulnerable examples are the most motivating kinds of stories. opportunities are so easy to miss. we need these kinds of reminders to keep us constantly on our toes, loving to full capacity.
beautiful. i admire the openness and honesty.
see you soon <3
Jeff, this is a common thread between us as we walk around and have the holy spirit prompt us and hold back. You will have a chance again and maybe you will be more ready then.
~Betsy~
Often the most remembered lessons are the most painful. Since I work as a criminal defense attorney, and I also do a fair amount of work on involuntary commitment cases, I end up listening to a lot of people who are treated by society as invisible. Ralph Ellison wrote a book about this: "Invisible Man"
Sometimes you don't need to talk or offer advice, or share Bible verses; sometimes all that is called for is that you listen, and converse with people, as person to person. I've been locked in cells with people even the courthouse security detail is scared of, and once they know I'm there to hear their story, they become peaceful, or at least less agitated, because maybe I'm the first person who has listened to them, really heard them, for a long, long time.
That's really awesome. Thanks for sharing. Who are you?
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