Quiet this morning, so I'll write a bit longer....let's see, oh, one headline in the morning paper caught my attention...it reported we shall have a new Bass ProShops. Well, well, well...isn't that wonderful. Can't wait.
*****
As I've said, it's cold outside. With the wind chill, numbingly so. I'd barely jerked my first cup of coffee when I heard a light knock on my front door. I thought, 'democrat,' as they can't read and there are instructions posted, simple instructions, on how to gain entry.
Anyhow, I opened the door to find a lady dressed lightly in sweater and jeans, and her feet bare other than a pair of flip-flops. She looked absolutely miserable.
I did not invite her inside. 'Nuff said.
She asked for money and was more than willing to provide a service in return. Now, here's the thing. My first inclination was to just close the door. But, when I took a careful look into her eyes (and trust me, I've had this same situation happen to me many times over the years) her eyes reflected such pain and agony, and she appeared so neglected and hopeless I just could not turn her away empty handed.
I know, I'm easy, a sucker if you will but there it is...
I gently refused her offer and placed a twenty in her hand. I asked if she'd like a cup of coffee to go (I have throw away chipped mugs galore) which she gently refused.
She broke into tears and said, "Thank you."
Ninety percent of the time I refuse to support their habits. I'm not even sure this young woman (she couldn't have been more than thirty) has a habit and don't really care, but something about her softened my otherwise hard heart.
Blame it on Christmas.
Stephen
No, don't blame it on Christmas, blame it on a kind heart.
ReplyDeleteYou did good. Remember you never know who just might be asking you for help.
Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
Matt, I suppose, conscientiously, the thought I entertain angels rides my shoulders like lead weight when I deal with the downtrodden. Thank you, my friend.
DeleteI would not expect you to do it any other way. Matt is right---kind heart!!
ReplyDeleteI maintain I'm still a hard-hardhearted and mean man...though I'm gentle to children and the fairer sex, when push comes to shove....
DeleteYou're a decent human being. We could use more these days.
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friend.
DeleteBest saying I've heard about that sort of situation was "What you do with your money is between you and God. What THEY do with the money you give them is between THEM and God."
ReplyDeleteVery true...even though I can't help myself, it still bugs me. Thanks, my friend.
DeleteYou are a good man, Stephen. How sad that such a young woman is so lost...
ReplyDeleteThere are so many just like her in this city...it is a shame. Thanks, Dear Phyllis.
DeleteAww That was sweet. You truly are a good man.
ReplyDeleteNah, I just play one on Thursdays....thanks, my dear lady.
Delete+1 to Matt & Borepatch. Never despise the promptings of a generous heart. Use wisdom, of course, but I believe - in this case - you did the right thing.
ReplyDeleteWell done, sir. She'll remember that bit o' kindness.
Either way, I wish her well. Thank you, my gentle and kind friend.
DeleteYeah sure, blame it on Christmas if you'd like.
ReplyDeleteToo bad there's so darn many of them.
Amen, my friend, amen. Thank you.
DeleteMaybe its just me, but it seems like batteries used to give me more of a warning before they crapped out on me. Back pre-maintenance free days, I mean. Now you don't have to maintain them... but when they're done, they're done.
ReplyDeleteI would have done the same as you, in regards to your visitor.
Batteries do indeed die suddenly these days...mine gave zero warning. I hate it.
DeleteThanks, my friend.
Yes, Stephen, what Matt and Rev. Paul said! There by the grace of God.....
ReplyDeleteBitter cold and SNOW here in NW Texas on Christmas Day. 6* is just too cold for me, but is warming up to 40 today.
Blessings!
Thanks, my dear...enjoy the cold. It won't last forever...
DeleteAnd, God bless you too.
Stephen, my friend.....deep down you have a warm kind heart, you just don't want everyone to know you do. That was very nice of you to help the young lady out. God Bless You!
ReplyDelete(He blushes and scuffs the toe of his boot in the dirt) Thanks, my dear Sandy.
DeleteStephen...... Every person, great and small, has a soft spot, Somewhere. Some of us just show it in different ways my friend. I'm sure she will remember this for quite a while.
ReplyDeleteAs for the battery, see about saving the lead in it. Might come in handy one day.
Thanks for the kind comment, my friend. I hope she had a nice meal, or at least I'd like to hope she used the money well. As far as the battery, I returned it for my twelve dollar refund.
Delete