We All Need Help

I was parked in front of the mall wiping off my car.

Coming my way from across the parking lot was what society would consider a bum.

I hope he doesn't ask me for any money. I thought.

He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop. He didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus.

After a few minutes he spoke, That's a very pretty car.

He was ragged but he had an air or dignity.

I said Thanks and continued wiping off my car. He sat there quietly as I worked.

Do you need any help? I asked.

He answered in three simple but profound words that I shall never forget.

Don't we all? he said.

I was feeling high and mighty, successful and important, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a shotgun. Don't we all?

I needed help. Maybe not for a bus fare or a place to sleep, but I needed help.

I reached in my wallet and have him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day.

Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets.

Maybe he was more than that. Maybe he was sent by a power that is great and wise, to minister to a soul too comfortable with himself.

Don't we all? Those three little words still right true.

No matter how much you have, no matter how much you have accomplished, you need help too.

No matter how little you have, no matter how laded you are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, you can give help.