Nothing so precious
|
A homeless person on the side of the road. A hand is held out. We put
money into the palm of a hand. Most of the time we don't...we just pass by. We
act like we did even see them. But we did see. We know we see and we know
they sees us. We think if they just had money. Is that all it really is?
This month I asked my friend at Opportunity Village why friends are important. She said, "...you want them to be honest, understanding, do fun activities with each other and to play different games together." In their screenplay, My Dinner with André, Shawn and Gregory describe it this way: "I live my life, I enjoy staying home with Debby, I'm reading Charlton Heston's autobiography, and that's that. ...a delicious cup of coffee, and a piece of coffee cake. I mean, why is it necessary to have more than this, or to even think about having more than this?" Friends and family are key. We need each other. That hand stretched out from the homeless person doesn't seek money...instead a handshake from someone willing to be a friend. We need each other. So next time, instead of simply giving some change to a homeless person, or worse, turning away...give a little of your time. Stop and say "Hi" to that person who is most of all lonely. Be a friend. There is nothing so precious. |
Jim Holcombe
Marion, IA