I went up to Peet’s Coffee the other morning and there was a young man, Mike, probably my age. With him he had all his physical belongings on a small roll cart. I first thought, how nice to have so little possessions. That was followed with the thought of how ironic it is that we live in one of the financially wealthiest areas of the U.S., if not the world, yet we can’t, or don’t, take care of the basic needs of human beings. Yes, we are financially wealthy, but we lack in wealth of compassion, kindness, understanding. I tear up as I ponder the inequality and injustice that exists. Anyway, I invited Mike in for bite to eat and he eagerly accepted. He talked about looking up a friend for a place to stay that night. Yes, on Christmas eve as many eagerly (and greedily) stuff their bellies with food in a nice, warm home and then open presents…Mike just wants a warm place to spend the evening. Then I was really blown away. As he awaited his sandwich, Mike began cleaning up the condiment area. He took some napkins and wiped up the spills of others and rearranged the milks and other condiments, making everything neat and orderly. Here is a person will very little and he’s serving others in a way that’s just natural to him. I spoke with Mike about this afterward, thanking him. He said he always does that sort of thing…straightening up. To him, it was just common decency. I just asked him for a hug and we parted our separate ways. There is a lot for us…me…to learn in the most unlikely of places.
