A lady walked down a city street one day, she spotted a beggar. The man looked old, he smelled, was unshaven and dressed in worn-out clothes. Everyone who passed by looked at him with contempt; they didn’t have anything against him but didn’t like him merely because of who he was…a filthy beggar.
But then, a particular woman saw him, she was filled with compassion.
The beggar was improperly dressed for the weather and it was so cold. He was wrapped up in what looked like a coat from a very old and not-so-warm suit. She asked the man with a kind voice, āSir? Are you all right?ā
The man looked at the woman, who, based on her appearance, was an example of what people from a wealthy background looked like. The old beggar thought that she, like every other person, was mocking him. He just shook his head and growled, āLeave me alone.”
But the women did not move. Instead, to his surprise, she smiled at him and gently asked if he was hungry.
āNo, Iāve just come from having dinner with the president. Now go away,ā the beggar replied with a notable sarcasm. The womanās smile did not fade. She placed her hands under the beggarās arm and tried to pick him up.
āWoman, what do you think you are doing?ā the beggar said annoyed.
āIs there a problem maāam?ā a policeman shouted, walking towards the lady and the beggar.
āNot at all officer. Iām just trying to get this man to his feet. Will, you help me?ā the women replied
The policeman looked at her with surprise, āthat man is old Jack and has been here for years. What have you got to do with him anyway?ā
āI am going to take him to a cafeteria to get something to eat and get him out of the cold for a while,” the women answered.
āAre you crazy, lady?ā the homeless man asked. āI donāt want to go in there!ā Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. āLet me go, officer. I didnāt do anything.ā
āHere’s a good chance to feed yourself, Jack. Donāt blow it,” the officer advised.
After much difficulty and effort, the woman and the officer managed to bring Jack into the cafeteria. It was past breakfast time and too early for lunch. The manager strode towards the table and asked āWhatās going on here officer?ā he asked. āIs this man in trouble?ā
āShe brought old Jack in here to be fed and get a good wholesome meal,ā the policeman answered.
āNot in my cafeteria! People like him are bad for business,ā the manager angrily retorted.
āNow you know why I didnāt want to come in here!ā Jack said to the lady, ānow let me go. I never wanted to be here in the first place!ā
The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. āSir, I reckon you know Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?ā
āOf course I do, ā the manager answered impatiently. āThey hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms.ā
āAnd I guess you make a good amount of money through those meetings.ā
āI certainly do! Why does it concern you anyway?ā
āBecause I am the CEO of the companyā the women replied, showing no sign of pride in her statement. The restaurant owner stood there in stunned silence. āOhhh.ā was all that the manager managed to say.
She looked at the officer, āWould you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?ā
āNo thanks, maāam,ā the officer replied. āIām on duty.ā
āThen, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?ā
āYes, maāam. That would be very nice.ā
āIāll get your coffee for you right away, officer,” the manager immediately replied.
āYou served him right,ā he said.
āOh, believe me, officer, that was not what I intended. I have a reason behind all this.ā She stared at Jack intently, and asked, āJack, do you remember me?ā
Old Jack examined her face, āwell you do look familiar,ā he added thoughtfully.
āDo you remember a cold and hungry girl who frequently visited this place when you worked here?ā the women asked, āshe has perhaps grown old…hasnāt she?ā
The officer looked surprised. He couldnāt imagine this fine looking woman as a poor and hungry woman.
āI had just graduated and had come to the city looking for a job. I didnāt find one for a really long time. I was running out of cash and had been asked to vacate my apartment too.Ā I lived on these streets for days. It was the cold month of February, I still remember how cold, miserable, and hungry I was. And thatās when I found this place and walked in hoping to find something to eat and what my little budget could afford.ā
Jackās face suddenly lit up, ānow I remember you. I used to be at the counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy.ā
āI know,ā the woman said. āThen you offered me the biggest roast beef sandwich, a cup of coffee, and a table for me to sit and enjoy the meal. I saw you put the price of my food in the cash registerā
āSo you started your own business?ā Old Jack asked.
āNo, not exactly. That very afternoon I got a job. I worked my way up. Then, I started my own business.ā She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. āPlease pay a visit to the personnel director of my company. Iāll go talk to him now. I am sure there is something in my office for which we can use your help. We can even pay you a certain amount of your salary in advance.ā
Fighting back the tears, Jack asked, āHow can I ever repay your kindness?ā
āYou donāt have toā the woman answered. āThank Jesus. He led me to you.ā
āThank you for all your help, officer,ā she said to him as they both walked out the door.
āOn the contrary, Ms. Eddy, thank you. I saw a miracle today. And of course, thank you for the coffeeā
She frowned. āI forgot to ask you whether you used cream or sugar. Thatās black.ā
āI do use cream and more sugar than what is good for my health,” he replied.
āIām sorry,ā she said.
āPlease donāt be. I have a feeling that this coffee is going to taste as sweet as sugar,” he replied with a smile as he walked away.
Question: What act of kindness did YOU show someone today?
Like this:
Like Loading...