[on the way to the bridge]
J (9 years old): I don’t like feeding the homeless.
M: I know you don’t.
J: Do you like it?
M: I am not sure like is the right word to describe it.
J: Do you enjoy it?
M: No that’s not the right word either.
J: Then what is the right word?
M: I like being on the side of goodness and love instead of on the side of hate and meanness (I wanted to add self-absorbed, but didn’t want to get anymore abstract than I already was). That is the side God is on. It feels good to be on His side.
J: Oh.
* * * *
The homeless are no different than the rest of us. I observed a sense of justice displayed by several of the homeless tonight. Some of them have experienced injustice firsthand, yet they advocated for justice and showed compassion.
There were about 35 homeless people lined up to be fed pork barbeque sandwiches, salad, brownie, and a soft drink. After serving all were served, they began lining up for seconds. The way they were lining up, I knew we would run out of food. One two occasions, a homeless person in line for seconds spoke up when someone new showed up, pointing out to us who hadn’t had a meal yet. They spoke up, not knowing if there would be enough left for them to get seconds.
J (9 years old): I don’t like feeding the homeless.
M: I know you don’t.
J: Do you like it?
M: I am not sure like is the right word to describe it.
J: Do you enjoy it?
M: No that’s not the right word either.
J: Then what is the right word?
M: I like being on the side of goodness and love instead of on the side of hate and meanness (I wanted to add self-absorbed, but didn’t want to get anymore abstract than I already was). That is the side God is on. It feels good to be on His side.
J: Oh.
* * * *
The homeless are no different than the rest of us. I observed a sense of justice displayed by several of the homeless tonight. Some of them have experienced injustice firsthand, yet they advocated for justice and showed compassion.
There were about 35 homeless people lined up to be fed pork barbeque sandwiches, salad, brownie, and a soft drink. After serving all were served, they began lining up for seconds. The way they were lining up, I knew we would run out of food. One two occasions, a homeless person in line for seconds spoke up when someone new showed up, pointing out to us who hadn’t had a meal yet. They spoke up, not knowing if there would be enough left for them to get seconds.
We are on the same side.
* * * *
* * * *
I dished out the brownies in our 4 person assembly line. As he was next to me in line, about to be served, a homeless gentleman spoke to me.
X: Thank you for serving us a meal. You are doing God’s work. God has been teaching me things recently.
I looked up and saw a thin, clear-eyed, elderly man with a ball cap and a long, flowing white beard.
M: You’re welcome. God is showing you his love tonight by moving in our hearts to serve you this warm meal.
X: [speechless, he reaches out and puts his hand on my shoulder]
That’s why I come out here, J.
X: Thank you for serving us a meal. You are doing God’s work. God has been teaching me things recently.
I looked up and saw a thin, clear-eyed, elderly man with a ball cap and a long, flowing white beard.
M: You’re welcome. God is showing you his love tonight by moving in our hearts to serve you this warm meal.
X: [speechless, he reaches out and puts his hand on my shoulder]
That’s why I come out here, J.
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