I have been so busy that I have just not had the time to post anything lately. With the magazine, and Christmas photos, and family life, I have just not been able to catch up.
Plus, I had a really great experience a few weeks ago. I ran into a lady and a young boy who were in need of some change. I usually give whatever I have in my pocket to anyone who asks. This is something my mother taught me as a kid. I had no change, so I told the lady if she could wait just a few minutes that I would run inside of my wife's job and get the kids and give her some money.
My wife had no cash. So I continued outside where the two of them patiently waited for me. I can't remember her name or the little boys name, but, I told her that if she would me meet down the street at the local KFC that I could give her money for some food because they have an ATM inside. At first she was not sure of where it was located. I then said, "I tell you what, I will just take you over there in my car with me and my kids." Now she seemed a little hesitant and I know what you are thinking, she was just trying to hustle some money from me. But she turned to me and whispered, "Me and my son stink, we have not taken a shower in a few days." I told her I don't care about that. I just wanted them to have some food.
The little boy at first was scared. He was only about 3 or 4 years old and did not have on a coat and it was really cold that day. But I told him that it would be ok. So he jumped in my Jeep and so did she. She was right when she said that they had not taken a shower in a few days, you could really smell the odor in the car. She said that her and the son were kicked out of the local homeless shelter because one of the workers did not like her. I know this to be true because when my uncle was homeless(his own personal choice) he told me that they would do that if they did not like someone. I felt so bad for the both of them.
We pull up to the KFC and I quickly went to the ATM. Now at KFC, you have to take out money and then order food and whatever the difference is in price they will refund you your change. The lady is at the counter asking the KFC lady for prices on the food. I tell her to get whatever she wants. She asks for one biscuit, I tell the lady to give her a dozen. We order like $25 dollars worth of food and I pulled out $50 from the ATM. I get $25 dollars back from the KFC lady. The lady then turns to me and holds out her hands with a whole bunch of change that she had been collecting for the food and says, "here you take this for the food you have bought me." I looked at her, and said, "No. you take this money that I have and eat for a few days." She was so excited. I turned to her and asked for a hug and gave her a big hug and then I hugged the little boy who was playing with my kids.
I had to take my son to his school for a fair, and told her that I had to go. When I walked outside I was overtaking with emotion. As we drove off we saw them crossing the street and they looked like they had just won the lottery. They were so very happy. You see, that changed my life. That whole day I was upset and angry because I felt like was not doing all the things that I wanted to do in my life. I was so angry that I was making myself sick at work. I prayed right before I left the job for God to take these feelings away from me. He sent me this lady and child. I own multiple homes, cars, blankets, refrigerators, TV's, DVD's and the list goes on. But here was someone who just needed a little help.
We get so caught up with ourselves and what we want that we never take the time to be thankful for what we have. Be Thankful for what you have. Nothing is promised to any of us. It is ok to help people. Some of you might even say, "why should I help them by giving them some change." Because you are not the one begging. You are in a position to help. I don't know if this will help you change your thinking, but, I do hope that you make sure that you are thankful for what you do have. Because, it could be so much worse.
Merry Christmas and may God bless each and everyone of you.
