A simple yet profoundly thought provoking story !

An interesting story was forwarded to me by a friend on the internet a few years ago which was sitting on my pc, in an un-important corner of an un-important e drive (where all the old data was stored). Accidentally I came across it a few days ago. It just made a deep mark in my heart when I read it a few times with its philosophically deep meaning. Here it is again for all of you to enjoy. Mind you this story was anonymously written:



I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car. I had just come from the car wash and was waiting for my wife to get out of work. Coming my way from across the parking lot was what the society would consider a BUM. From the looks of him, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes and no money. There are times when you feel generous and there are other times that you just dont want to be bothered. This was one of those dont want to be bothered times. I hope he doesnt ask for any money, I thought. He didnt. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he did not look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. Thats a very pretty car, he said. He was ragged but had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blonde beard kept more than his face warm. I said, Thanks and continued wiping off my car. He sat there quietly as I worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between us widened something inside me said Ask him if he needs any help. I was sure that he would say Yes but I held true to the inner voice. Do you need any help?, I asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget. We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. I expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. Instead, he spoke the three words that shook me down to my roots. Dont we all?, he asked. I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shot gun. DONT WE ALL? I needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help. I reached for my wallet and gave him not only enough for bus fare but enough to get a warm meal, and a shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too. No matter how little you have, no matter how loaded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help. Even if it is just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on you to give them what they dont have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from the daily chaos, that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. Maybe he was more than that! Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable in himself. Maybe God looked down, called an Angel, dressed him up like a bum, then said, Go minister to that man cleaning the car. That man needs help !!



Very touching indeed. Hope you all enjoy it. Take care and God bless !

Cheers,

Kris Kandath