The Making of a Panhandler

If I were in their shoes could I accept money from a perfect stranger day after day?  Standing on the hard pavement in the variety of elements would do me in,  not to mention the boredom!

I can’t imagine that all are lazy, selfish, non-motivated, uneducated people.  They just can’t all be.  We must be careful not to judge or stereotype all those who are down on their luck.  I am sure many are very decent people who would love to have a respectful job if given the opportunity.

Not long ago I was held up in traffic due to a stalled vehicle.  Two young men were attempting to push their car up a hill to a gas station a couple blocks away.  I sat through a couple green lights waiting and watching.  Other testy drivers were beginning to become agitated and horns began sounding. 

As a sat in my car I noticed a pan handler toss down his beat up sign and ran to their aid.  He helped them push their “junker” of a car up the hill to the top.  Once there they had it made…

The considerate man glanced over his shoulder several times to ensure they made it to the station.  I could tell by the spring in his step that he was pleased with himself for having demonstrated a random act of kindness.  It did my heart good to see the grin on his face as he plucked up his sign and resummed his position.  I wished I had going the opposite direction so I could have complemented him on his eagerness to help.  He saw the need and acted.

I for one hope I can be in a position to see the need and act accordingly, with a smile on my face.  Just like the “pan handler” I saw earlier.

Isn’t that what we all should do more often?  Out of the goodness of our hearts, and no questions asked….