It wasn't even a miraculous moment, nothing jaw-dropping, nothing so unbelievably awesome that TLC would pay millions to make a movie out of it. It was just a simple, pleasant moment that reminded me that people are good in this world.
About an hour ago, I was driving from my house to my apartment. It's bright outside, the sun is shining and it's a crisp 34 degrees. Chilly, but warmer than its been all week which made it beautiful weather. I'm listening to 100.7, an oldies station that is perfect for driving in weather like this. A great song comes on - "Jessica," by the Allman Brothers. If you've never heard it, its worth a listen. One of those songs that you'd want to walk down the street to, a little pep in your step, maybe a twirl every now and then too if you're so inclined. Alas I was driving, so no twirling for me. Still, driving through a town I love on a beautiful Sunday morning was a great place to be in listening to that song.
I pulled up on an exit ramp off the highway. While sitting at the light, I noticed a homeless man approach a guy in an SUV. I have to admit, my first thought was "Man, poor guy in the SUV. He's being harassed by a homeless man." Not my proudest thought. Given the great mood I was in, I'm surprised my first thought was so negative. That'll be something to reflect on later.
Anyway, while sitting at this stoplight watching the homeless man "hassle" the SUV-man, something kind of unexpected happen. The SUV-man got out of his car. He was probably around my age, maybe a few years older. He trotted to the back of his car, popped the trunk, and grabbed a sleeping back out from the back. Then handed it to the homeless man, got back in his car, and drove off with the rest of us as the light turned green.
Hm, I thought. That was really nice of him. I mean that was really nice of him. It looked as though he had the sleeping bag and maybe some other "camping gear" in his trunk. Saw this guy, presumably asked him where he slept and if he was warm, and then decided to sacrifice his sleeping bag for this guy.
I don't know why such a gesture was so astounding to me. Maybe because I hadn't seen such acts of kindness in a long time. Nothing so simple, so direct, so quick. With all the stigma applied to the homeless (by myself included, given my initial thought), it's kind of amazing when you see someone hop out of their car in the middle of traffic to let go of one of their possessions to make it someone else's.
People are good. The guy that gave up his sleeping bag is a good guy. I dont even know him - maybe he's a murder looking for redemption... but in that moment of giving, he was a good person. I'd like to be a good person. I want to erase my mind of negativity, clean my soul of judgment, remember that every person is a part of humanity, a smart, beautiful, unique species that is just mindboggling to be a part of.
And I don't want to forget that on a sunny Sunday morning, with clear winter air and great tunes, I was reminded that in this life even the simplest of moments are worth remembering, cherishing, and emulating.
Thumbs up!! Like the way you write, just spotted a coupla' mistakes. Take it as constructive feedback. No hating.
ReplyDeleteCheers