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. On Christmas Eve as many eagerly (and greedily) stuff their bellies with food in nice, warm homes and then open presents…Mike just wanted a warm place to spend the evening.
Then I was really blown away. As he awaited his sandwich, Mike began cleaning up the condime
nt 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 with 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 to go our separate ways.
There is a lot for us…me…to learn in the most unlikely of places.
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. On Christmas Eve as many eagerly (and greedily) stuff their bellies with food in nice, warm homes and then open presents…Mike just wanted a warm place to spend the evening.
Then I was really blown away. As he awaited his sandwich, Mike began cleaning up the condime
nt 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 with 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 to go our separate ways.
There is a lot for us…me…to learn in the most unlikely of places.
2880 Reads
- Posted by cyctw
- Jan 15, 2018
- Comments (8)
Readers Comments
rickhiker wrote: Respecting and caring for others no matter how much money you have is the real source of wealth. Thank you both.
George wrote: Absolutely beautiful. To see someone with less (judgement), offering anything is compassion (overcoming judgement) then seeing the gift is beautiful.
Kixx wrote: Lovely man, this mike. Thank you for sharing.
leoladyc728 wrote: sometimes, the people who have the least are the kindest
AndiCas wrote: I hope Mike found a warm welcome and a warm bed for Christmas.
alisamom wrote: What a wonderful story, thanks so much for covering with Mike!-â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Mish wrote: Beautiful man, Mike. Thank you for always sharing your heart so generously with others, cyctw â¤ï¸
mindyjourney wrote: Dear Mike â¤ï¸...he knows :)))
