Quoting searchmecf:

Ok, so on my way to work the other day, I passed this "homeless" man who stands on the same street corner almost every day. I admit, with some shame, that I normally avoid even looking at the people on the corner with their signs reading, "Homeless, please help, God Bless you", or "Children need food and clothes", etc.

But this morning, I made a point to recognize this person and feel compassion for those who are less fortunate. Although it has been a most difficult year for me, I am grateful for all I have worked to achieve and I know that you have to appreciate what you have.

I sat in my car at the light and took notice of his freshly shaven face, his clean kaki pants, his nice polo golf shirt and buffed shoes. I tried to keep a positive thought, as I read the "Homeless, need food, God Bless" sign but was thinking in the back of my mind, "wow, he dresses better than some of my managers". After all, being homeless doesn't mean you can't keep yourself clean with a proper appearance.

Then, a lady who had been waiting patiently in the long line of cars finally got the green light. As she rolled past the man, she handed him some money and a bottle of cold water. She smiled and wished him blessings and he did the same in return so appreciative for her generousity. The man, stood there, watching as the cars disappeared over the hill... I teared. What a grateful look on his face, how humble and genuinely thankful for a stranger's kindness. He stood there, watching and as the last car was out of sight, he folded his sign, tucked it neatly in his back pocket, put the cash in a front pocket and removed an iPhone from the same. He walked across the road and stood in the bushes as he made his phone call, drinking the water he was just given.

My compassion was fleeting.

Later that day on my return home from a hard day's work... I passed by this same man. As I rolled by him I extended my hand and gave him what appeared to be a $20 bill. What it really was: On one side, an altered copy of a $20 bill (I'm not into going to jail for forgery) and the other side, it was blank and simply read, "Get an honest job... God is Watching and the devil is waiting!"

I watached the man unfold the paper and read it. Just before I was out of sight, he folded his sign, packed up his bag and left the corner. I have not seen him since.

Ok, so on my way to work the other day, I passed this "homeless" man who stands on the same street corner almost every day. I admit, with some shame, that I normally avoid even looking at the people on the corner with their signs reading, "Homeless, please help, God Bless you", or "Children need food and clothes", etc.

But this morning, I made a point to recognize this person and feel compassion for those who are less fortunate. Although it has been a most difficult year for me, I am grateful for all I have worked to achieve and I know that you have to appreciate what you have.

I sat in my car at the light and took notice of his freshly shaven face, his clean kaki pants, his nice polo golf shirt and buffed shoes. I tried to keep a positive thought, as I read the "Homeless, need food, God Bless" sign but was thinking in the back of my mind, "wow, he dresses better than some of my managers". After all, being homeless doesn't mean you can't keep yourself clean with a proper appearance.

Then, a lady who had been waiting patiently in the long line of cars finally got the green light. As she rolled past the man, she handed him some money and a bottle of cold water. She smiled and wished him blessings and he did the same in return so appreciative for her generousity. The man, stood there, watching as the cars disappeared over the hill... I teared. What a grateful look on his face, how humble and genuinely thankful for a stranger's kindness. He stood there, watching and as the last car was out of sight, he folded his sign, tucked it neatly in his back pocket, put the cash in a front pocket and removed an iPhone from the same. He walked across the road and stood in the bushes as he made his phone call, drinking the water he was just given.

My compassion was fleeting.

Later that day on my return home from a hard day's work... I passed by this same man. As I rolled by him I extended my hand and gave him what appeared to be a $20 bill. What it really was: On one side, an altered copy of a $20 bill (I'm not into going to jail for forgery) and the other side, it was blank and simply read, "Get an honest job... God is Watching and the devil is waiting!"

I watached the man unfold the paper and read it. Just before I was out of sight, he folded his sign, packed up his bag and left the corner. I have not seen him since.