Greg and I used to quarrel a lot about these exact situations. I want to stop and help every time I see someone sitting sadly on a street corner. It's not that Greg isn't generous. He is so giving--to the church, to our families, and to any random neighbor kid knocking on our door looking for a sponsor for their school sport. But a person panhandling on the street corner? Greg drives by. For a while, he let me stop, even though I knew he disapproved. And then there was an article recently in the newspaper about this very thing. Greg forwarded it to me. St George city officials were urging residents to NOT give money to panhandlers. The article listed the many, many resources we have in St George for those who need a helping hand, and the way the police are making sure anyone in need is aware of these resources, and then emphasized that because of the giving nature of our citizens, many professional panhandlers are flocking here. Besides, it's just not safe to be stopping for complete strangers. The article suggested that if you must stop, maybe just ask if the person is aware of the different shelters, soup kitchens, and outreach services in St. George. And if they need help getting to these service, call the police.
I read the article. And I also know that it is just not safe as a woman with little children to stop for someone who might be completely unstable. Even if it tugs at my heart. Even if I have been given much, and I too must give. As I sadly drove past this poor, older man, I had part of a scripture come to mind. It was from Mosiah 4:24.
24 And again, I say unto the poor, ye who have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to day; I mean all you who deny the beggar, because ye have not; I would that ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give.
I've never thought that verse could apply to me because I am not poor, just surviving from day to day. I have plenty to give. The previous verses always seem to apply to me, condemning me for turning away a beggar or trying to judge the situation, for are we not all beggars? But today as I drove, these words came strongly to my mind: "If I could, I would give"--a variation to the very ending of verse 24. And I felt this warm feeling come over me. Then I knew that God understood that I have compassion for that man, that I felt charity, and that if there had been a way, I would've stopped to help, even though the man was just walking along the sidewalk.
After I dropped off the children at preschool, I looked for the man as I drove back, thinking maybe I would dare call the police. Maybe. But he was no longer walking along the road. I couldn't see him anywhere. So I just sent my plea up to heaven again, "If I could've, I would've." I know God knows my heart. And I'm not sure that thought is enough, but sometimes it just isn't safe, especially for my children.
Greg took the girls to Salt Lake for their volleyball tournament. I miss them and wish I could be with them. But I sent them off with a cooler full of snacks and treats and a big hug and a kiss. That'll have to do.
 |
| His car was lost for a few days, but somehow he found it himself today. I tried to ask him where he found it, but that question was lost in translation! I guess we will never know, but he was sure happy! |
So here I sit alone, typing away. I had the joy of taking the boys to their basketball practice and then out for hamburgers and milk shakes--their favorites! We went to In n Out, and both Miles and Austin begged for, and ate two hamburgers. Sometimes I don't know if I should feed those boys or restrict them a little! Once at home, we looked on line for some books they've both been reading at school and dying to get at home. I'm a complete sucker for books. I LOVE them so much too. So after some fun looking and hoping, we ordered The Magic Treehouse series for Austin, and The Alex Rider series for Miles. They were both so excited they could hardly go to bed. And all the while, I've been so excited to climb into MY bed to read the memoir I just downloaded to my Kindle today: Torn Trousers. Judi told me about it this morning. So I quickly downloaded it. I'm also a sucker for memoirs. It's about two people who sell everything and follow their dream by moving to Botswana to run a tourist camp. I read the first chapter over my lunch. And it's got me thinking, what are some of my wild, adventurous dreams? What would I "sell everything" and do if I could? I want to write those dreams down. And ask Greg his dreams too. Because maybe somehow, somewhere, one of those dreams is doable. And that would be awesome!
Now, off to Botswana I go. Dream big, princess.
No comments:
Post a Comment