Human Kindness...

It seems like just when I’m about to give up on human kindness it’s placed in front of me to help me realize that it does still exists. I need to share this story because for me it shows that God is working and sometimes we don’t even realize it. 1

Before I go off with this, I need to go back a bit and refer to a conversation I had recently regarding how those less fortunate need to be treated as actual human beings instead of being wrote off as society would have it. We all know that the power of human connection is important and almost a necessity. While those less fortunate are being looked down upon, their need of being treated "normal" is a much more rewarding factor for them.2

That being said, I was in my local Starbucks this morning for my normal Sunday writing alone time when I watched what seemed to be a transient walk in. Being the observing one I am, I watched as others looked at him, took steps away from him, held their purses closer, along with their sideway glances. The man stood there head bent and not meeting the eye of another, but I’m sure well aware of what was going on around him. 3

Sitting at the table next to me after getting a free water, I studied him a little bit more unknowingly I hope (I have GREAT peripheral vision). I didn’t see a hopeless man but in my opinion a broken man. I can’t even begin to recreate the image of this man. Studying his stooped shoulders I imagined the weight of the world on them and for a brief moment thought of my own world that I carry around on mine. 4

His eyes stayed focused on his water as I continued to see others sweep their distasteful glances in his direction. Mulling over in my own mind the do I or don’t I get him something to eat and a nice hot cup of coffee to warm his chilling bones. Within ten minutes of his sitting, one of the workers had delivered him a warm breakfast sandwich and a hot cup of coffee. I watched as she placed his meal in front of him with the same smile she had served mine with earlier. I heard her say quietly, "This has been purchased for you…" I admired her for her gentle tone so others weren’t aware of the conversation in hopes of not embarrassing him. 5

As she walked away from him I watched this man not raise his head but I did see his empty eyes do a sweeping gesture of those that he could see, maybe to find the kind soul that did this for him.
Curious by nature I too looked around to see if I could find the one that would be watching him for some form of acknowledgement to give a silent "you’re welcome." Again, I noticed no one looked in this man’s direction. He silently ate his meal, drank his coffee, finished his water and left as quietly as he did when he arrived. 6

I found myself staring at the table that he had just vacated and was surprised to see that his spot had been removed of all wrappers and such by him. I then questioned my own way of thinking, "why was I quick to assume that he wouldn’t pick up after himself?" Even though I was mesmerized by this man I was deep down as guilty as those others around me. 7

As stated previously I am reminded that there are true genuine people out there that are able to see to others without needing the recognition of their generosity. The ability to get pass the outside of another is in itself a difficult conquest, but for those that are able to is rewarding….