Monday, October 11, 2004

The Homeless Man

I was sitting on my front porch this morning enjoying the birds and the chilly air and watching people walk their dogs, take their children on strolls and watching the general morning busi-ness of life.  I live in a small town with houses all around me, but there are businesses thrown in here and there.  A scruffy man caught my attention.  He looked about sixty years old and seemed to be talking to himself.  At closer inspection, I thought he was probably only forty or so, but life made him look older.  He had hair that was not cut or combed for years, it seemed.  He also had a beard that was as long as his hair.  His clothes were filthy and he seemed to be homeless and he was obviously mentally ill.  People were walking around him.  I thought this was very sad.  I was wondering where he lived and how he conducted his life.  Then I saw him walk and bend down in front of a house that had weeds as high as his thighs and he proceeded to pull up the weeds.  He pulled up armfuls of them.  The whole time he was talking to himself.  He picked up the armful and asked a gentleman where the closest dumpster was.  The man told him.  He walked to the dumpster which was about two blocks away.  As he walked he picked up trash and other weeds.  He then got to the dumpster and threw away his load.  He walked away down the street out of sight still talking to himself.  It got me to thinking as I was watching this man who was obviously so ill.  We all need a purpose.  We all need to be needed.  In his time of obvious sickness, he was finding a purpose.  It touched my heart.  I said a prayer for him.  In my darkest of illnesses I have struggled to find my purpose on this earth.  I still do at times.  Some days when I am feeling alone and tired, I try to cling to something small.  I think of Jesus washing his disciple's feet.  No purpose is too small.    We are all weaved together on this earth in some way, somehow.  When I am feeling purpose-less the best thing I can do is something for someone else.  It could be a smile.  It could be something that seems so insignificant to me, but it could be big to someone else.  We are all important.  Yes, everyone is! 

16 comments:

  1. What a moving entry today Val.  You are so right, something small, such as a smile, or a few kind words, can make a big difference to someone else's day.  I wonder where he was going, whether anyone has any kind words for him.  I hope so.
    Sara   x

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  2. Yes...what Sara said. :-)

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  3. Some believe that in each of us, no matter how scruffy or tattered on the outside resides the Spirit of the Creator ... that fabric woven into the cloth of all our lives. Perhaps you saw a bit of the Creator in this homeless man today, taking some time to tidy up a bit of creation. Very thought provoking entry Val. Very touching. Today has been a tough, tough day ... memories of death and lives lost abound. I was just wondering what possibble difference this solitary, sad, sack of bones could make in such a world as ours. Then as if in answer I turn to this entry. Thanks. Merci. Arigato. A very sincere gracias.

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  4. A touching entry.  I can imagine the man.  I hope he has someone to care for him, someone to love him.  It is the little things that touch us so much and we shall all be grateful for every little thing that we can do and for the little things others do for us.

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  5. I know exactly what you mean...I have been feeling pretty useless since I got ill...I feel as if I have no purpose...I am dependant on others but I am not able to help them or give them anything in return. All I can give them is my love and maybe that is all they need from me. I still have the boredom to deal with though!

    Best wishes, Amy xxx

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  6. Yes he had a purpose. May not be one we would choose but he did something . Lori

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  7. VERY, VERY TOUCHING......................STORMIE

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  8. Because of you, I said a prayer for him too.

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  9. very touching, I said a prayer too.
    ~JerseyGirl
    http://journals.aol.com/cneinhorn/WonderGirl

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  10. I can see the man in my mind, you describe him so well. I hope and pray he has a family out there somewhere who love him and hope he is the way he is because of stubborness on his side. I too feel like I have no purpose in life at times, but then I look at my kids and realise how much they need me. My cubs would not enjoy all they do and I am there for my short time to listen as a samaritan. So I do have a purpose, thank you for making me remember this Val :).........Jules xxx
    http://journals.aol.co.uk/jules19642001/Itsmylife/

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  11. The only thing I can say is that this entry made me cry.  I guess that is just because I am in that kind of mood.  Yes, this man has a purpose, and if the world is passing him by, he is much loved by God, and God isn't passing him by.  -Krissy
    http://journals.aol.com/fisherkristina/SometimesIThink  

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  12. Doing something for another person is the finest of purposes. The thought that prompts the doing and the selfless thought that accompanies the doing is the double prayer for me.

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  13. Your entry is wonderful!! I agree We are all important and We all have a purpose.  As long as I remember that, regardless how I might be treated or thought of otherwise, then the world is better off and I am bound to be happy because I know better! Love your journal! Keith

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  14. aww u sound like me i have written story's about a shopping cart angel  and  thank my angel about the homeless in my site  called  just me misery and company.
    i found ur journal a reward and a treat to read i thank the link in its my life for showing me  two wonderful authors whom i am already reading and enjoying happy journaling ur very talented.
    in respect and friendship aaron

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  15. Your entry brought a tear to my eyes.  So often I have seen people, alone, on the street, talking to themselves.  I don't know what this means, but have wondered "why so often" do I see this?  Why are they talking to themselves.  

    What brought the tear to my eye was that you prayed for him, and that is what I often do when I see something like this.  You want to help, but fear holds us back.  We don't know how to help, or even if it is safe.  But to pray for them is something that we can do.  

    Thank you for being who you are!!!  And that's why I like to read yours and Krissy's journal ---you are GREAT FOLK - as we say here in the south!
    Sonya

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  16. We know he's somebody's son, it's possible that he's someone's brother, or uncle. Thank you for acknowledging this man.

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