Anyone concerned that sharing this story is about ego forgets that these moments are some of the greatest teaching opportunities. This story, as the one of the family in MacDonalds whose child reached out to the homeless man, move all of us to our humanity. When we see someone in need, rather than avoid them, we can see them for who they are...part of us...part of all life, and worthy of our attention.

Many years ago, while working in a small metaphysical bookstore, a stranger came late at night, disheveled, without shoes, and freezing. He asked if he could sit for a moment. I took him to our section where there were nice chairs to sit on. We had hot water, so I got a few paper towels soaked in the hottest water I could, and bathed his feet, then gave him dry paper towels to cover them. He looked at me with eyes so full that I realized I was looking in the eyes of God. 

A few years later, a homeless lady thanked me for stopping to give her change and talk to her, and as she did, she said, "I aint no junk...God don't make no junk." 

Thank you for reminding us...thank you for the opportunity to be fully human.

I work with the homeless and mentally ill of San Francisco.  I believe that more then not, they are there to assistus in becoming better human beings and not exactly for their own healing or wellfare!!

Against the better judgement of the billboard that says "don't give to panhandlers, give to charity" (common in Salt Lake City where someone else is supposed to know better than you always!) I got in habits of giving whenever I am asked. If I see a box for Easter Seal, I am being asked. If a guy asks me for change, I will do my best. The other day a guy asked me and I gave him the dollar coin I got from the train ticket machine (the joys of taking a city train!!) and he positively creamed "Thank you I love you!!" at the top of his lungs! Why was I momentarily embarrassed by this open expression of appreciation? The social conditioning, I suppose. We live in a funny civilized society where an open expression of appreciation can be deemed embarrassing... I find that just as or more satisfying than spending $2 for Starbucks coffee.  I'd like to cherish the smile of appreciation, not the money. It's not like buying the appreciation. It is an act of sharing the prosperity in whatever the measure.  

everyday we are given a blessing of a new day and our response to that is to be a blessing to someone. act of kindness pays its most dividens...

Be the best at what you know,

joe

Thanks for sharing this thought provoking story....

from

www.support4grief.in/expression.html

I have been getting the Reflection for the day for a long time sent to my e-mail box I truly enjoy it.  i am interested in the daily readings you have from AA "Bill W."  If it is available I would appreciate you sending them to my inbox. I am a recovering alcoholic with 28 years of continued sobriety. I love to read anything related to Alcoholics anonymous. Thank you and God Bless. I try to help others also. In doing so I definetely help myself.

God puts people in Our lives for different reasons and I believe that You were blessed with the presence of this woman in Your life to open Your eyes and heart to simply Love Others<3

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