A story for the season

I didn't know Jon Johnson, but I know who he was. I'd be dishonest if I didn't admit that he wasn't someone I was ever glad to see - a drunk and dirty homeless man who frequented an area where I regularly shop. Occasionally I'd give him some money, but more often I tried to simply ignore him. There are quite a few other homeless folks who hang out in the same places he did who are more "professional" in appearance and demeanor than Jon was and I realize that I was a more willing benefactor to them than I generally was to Jon, presumably because I expect even homeless people to charm me a bit if they want my attention. I was saddened and felt some regret that I wasn't kinder to him when I read this story. But I was also impressed and proud to know some folks who had allowed their hearts to be touched by this sad, confused soul and offered him some sense of the simple human dignity and concern we all deserve.

Comments

[bystander]

... What if God was one of us?

Just a slob like one of us

Just a stranger on the bus

Trying to make his way home...

-Alanis Morissette What If God Was One Of Us

[Roxanne]

Oh, boy. How sad.