I could not have had a better morning.
I’ll readily admit that I typically avoid making eye contact with people asking for money.
It can feel awkward.
I feel trapped and put on the spot.
Am I going to give up some of my money to a stranger?
Am I going to just ignore this human being in a tough spot?
Am I at least going to give the person the dignity of eye-contact and acknowledgement?
For whatever reason, today, I didn’t have that reaction.
Maybe it was the endorphins swimming through my body.
Maybe it was the vegan apple crisp still tickling my tongue.
But today, I smiled, waved him over and happened to have $10 in my wallet.
He was so gracious and kind and thankful.
In the middle of the street, we connected.
It was human moment.
In no way do I think I solved any major problem or that I deserve a medal.
But it was exciting to see empathy and shared humanity well up inside me.
Like I said, many times that’s not my reaction.
I have no real point, but I was reminded that we’re all the same.
At times we ask and at times we receive.
No man is an island and no person is self-made.
We’re human.
We’re in this together.