I play trivia at a local restaurant every Saturday with a
buddy. Trivia has always been something fun for me. I have always known bits
and pieces of random trivia, and Saturday nights are a night I can show my bits
of knowledge.
When leaving trivia tonight a gentleman came up to my friend
and me and asked for some money so that he could get something to eat. My
friend and I told him the truth; we did not have any cash on us and that we
were sorry. The gentlemen went on to ask the next person that came out, and we
went on our way.
I didn’t think much about it until an hour later, I was
walking to my car from the store next to the restaurant. I saw the man that
asked me for money sleeping on a bench outside the store. He was not bothering
anyone, but there he was trying to get comfortable. I stood there for a moment.
Should I wake him and see if he got food? Is he going to be warm enough? Plus he
was settling down to sleep. Do I disturb him? I just did not know what to do.
I will be honest, I do not usually give money to people
asking for it. I really wish I could feel comfortable giving that money to
them, but I am usually apprehensive for a few reasons. First, I gave a guy
money once and I saw him buy alcohol with it and not food. Defeated the purpose
of giving him the money completely. Second, I have seen so many news pieces on
con artists that ask for money claiming they need it, but in actuality are doing
very well. I usually help out at food banks or give money to charities to get the
money in the right places.
So two thoughts. First, I almost never carry cash on me now.
Debit cards are the norm for me. When cash is needed, there is usually an
errand to be run to go get some. Maybe I should think about carrying some with
me for special circumstances. Second, when did I get so jaded on helping
another human being out? I hate doubting another person’s motives. That is not
what Christ did. Christ jumped in and helped as best He could and as much as He
could. It is moments like tonight that remind me for someone who is supposed to
be Christ like; I am so far from it. I just frustrate me.
So what did I do tonight? Well I decided that I did not want
to disturb him. I just hope that food did get to him. What I did do, was put a
blanket and an old pillow I had in my car and put it on the bench next to him
(not disturbing him) and left. Hoping he could come to a better use for both
those things than me who just uses it for the occasional comfort. It is going
to be a cold night tonight in Jacksonville, Florida. I really hope he can get
some use with them.
God take care of this unknown man. Keep him warm. Keep him
fed.
Sincerely,
Chris
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