I once had a conversation with a homeless man on the streets of Washington D.C. I’d passed him several times per day, always stopping ensure his care. He was a veteran of a foreign war, and to than end I felt compelled – to look after someone who once sacrificed for all.

A storm was approaching, and the winds were beginning their icy protest.

“The winters must be the hardest part,” I naively presumed.

“Not even close,” he replied with eyes forced to ground. “Feeling invisible is.”

I think sometimes, it’s easier to walk away; to assume that it is neither our place, nor responsively. And, we may be fooled to think that ours is not nearly enough. After all, how can we change an entire life in a single day?

But, what we fail to realize is something much more profound – that is, a simple kindness can go a long, long way.

To share a warm beverage on a cold winter’s day…or, an overcoat to help shield the bitter winds?

Though, perhaps the greatest gift we might ever provide – is that of our simple presence.

Through kindness, we encourage passage through a frightening and desolate place. Through kindness, we offer hope where there may be none.

Author, Wallace Stegner once wrote, “Home is a notion that only nations of the homeless fully appreciate and, only the uprooted can comprehend.”

Perhaps, we’re fearful to connect with that which we do not understand. Perhaps, the effort of passing is ‘easier, after all.’

Or, perhaps within their faces we recognize the shadows of our own deepest fears?

Though truthfully, we only ‘have’ what we give.

A little something to consider, my friends ~ do we walk away, and miss that chance to find joy in another’s story?

In doing so, we’d miss the opportunity to potentially enrich ourselves.

In peace…

Namaste ❤️