Friends,
Walking down the streets of Chicago this week I saw a young
man holding a cardboard box that read “begging and ashamed”. Now, I usually
feel bad for folks who’ve resorted to panhandling -even if I sometimes wonder
about their need. I wonder what it would be like to live on the street and
imagine walking in their shoes -telling myself I would surely make the best of such circumstances. But when I saw this
kid, something was different. Maybe it was his age (not much older than my own kids).
Maybe it was just his demeanor (slouched so as to avoid eye contact). Whatever
the reason, I started thinking he was someone’s
kid. How must his parents feel? Did they know their son was in this situation? Were
they unwilling or unable to help him? Then… I imagined this scruffy young man
as my son. Bam! I was struck to the core. What if that was my kind, innocent,
loving son driven by who-knows-what circumstances to beg? Ragged, tired and
dirty on some strange sidewalk. Begging. That simple notion created a void
inside me so big it overwhelmed me. So long as it was me that I imagined in his shoes, I could handle it. But as soon as
I saw him as my son my empathy went
through the roof. His situation became intolerable -no, please, not my son!
I wonder what would happen if every one of us imagined those
in need not as our tough selves, but as the vulnerable child they once were.
Our child, full of dreams and brimming with potential. If we did, I think the
world would be a slightly better place. A place brimming with smiles and
donuts. Speaking of which, I’ve got a dozen ready to be had. So, if you’re in
the office today, please come grab a sweet treat. If not, don’t worry. Dirk
Kitteridge is sure to give any leftover donuts to the homeless (as he has on so
many occasions already).
Happy Friday!
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Photo: Sweet treat shop window display taken yesterday morning in
Chicago
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