X Marks the Breakfast Spot

This morning I woke up excited about the time we had before breakfast and went to check my phone to see if anyone had replied to my "group text" (we think we're funny, we all passed phones around, got numbers, and now send "group texts" to each other whenever we want anything) about a proposed breakfast time only to find out that they had decided on a time five minutes from then.

And I had just told my roommate she could take a shower first.

So I skipped the shower, braided my hair, and set out to find City Donuts and Bagels by myself, map in hand, looking more touristy than ever. It was lovely. I like cities. This isn't as busy or cluttered as Pittsburgh, but it has that great city feel.

On my way there, a homeless man asked me for money for food.
Sometimes people walk by people like that. I think it's a combination of fear, ignorance to the situation, and even feelings of irritation like, "it's you're own fault you're there, get up and do something about it." I think the last one, though, is really just blind ignorance.

I didn't want to do that.
This week, I represent the church and whether or not he knew what my nametag meant, I do.

So I looked right at him, and in my usual response said, "What?"

"Do you have any money for food?"

"No, I don't, I'm sorry, but have a good day!" Smile.

Have a good day? How could he? Hopefully the smile would help. I'm never one for giving people money. I think in most situations, it won't help them. I will buy them food though. I thought about asking him to breakfast with me, but I wasn't sure how far away my destination was and I didn't know where I was, so unfortunately this time, I had to sacrifice a good deed to be smart. It's a shame that's a sacrifice we have to make but I feel confident that we should make it in some situations. Be giving, but be safe.

End result was, when I got to the restaurant I got him a banana and two choices of juice, and wrapped up half of my bagel for him. I never felt so full than when I gave away part of my food.

The second time I saw him he was a sweet man with sweet eyes who was thankful that someone cared. I'm going to try to buy Jesus breakfast again this week.