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.
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8 hummingbird way 