Bereft

Last week I saw a young man a few feet away from me just getting off his bike when I came out of the supermarket. He was wearing a black t-shirt with a very angry and profane message in large white letters. I felt compelled to talk with him.

I went to my car to drop my groceries and returned to ask him why he was angry.

He answered me in a very polite way. He explained that he was homeless, had just reached the end of his time at a shelter, and hadn’t been aware of having to leave before this day.

I talked to him more and learned that he is 21, had spent time in jail and was a recovering addict.

I realized that monetary assistance was not a good idea.

With his permission, I took a photo of him and he gave me a beautiful smile.

I have experience with addicts …and I have compassion for this life experience, especially in the young.

After saying goodbye and driving off, I realized I could have offered him a meal, talked with him more. I circled back a few minutes later, but he was gone.

I felt remorse for not having thought of offering some food.

This encounter unsettled me quite a bit. I prayed for him.

I was glad I had at least spoken to him with concern and respect.

Would you like to get blog posts sent directly to your email inbox? Subscribe below.