Maximize Moments

A Dignified Appointment

During breakfast this morning, I read an inspiring article from Joy Magazine. The crux of the write up was that “we all need help”. Ok, let me back track a bit...
I live in Muizenberg, a multi-ethnic, broad-based suburb with extremes ranging from cool surfing culture, to tons of homeless people and dodgy guys parading the streets. I some times catch myself crossing to the other side of the street when I see shady or drunken men. I try to avoid any conversation or eye contact, as some of them are simply not sane. Just the other day my office was broken into, and so, certain uneasy feelings tend to get reinforced, apparently a reason to be more prayerful in order to inhibit the budding desire of fear’s rule.

So here’s where my story starts. As I opened my gate to leave the house for work, I noticed an unusual string of homeless people searching the trash bins that have all been lined up outside for the municipality services to empty (we take out our trash every Wednesday - thanks NK for doing it faithfully through the years).
Suddenly my eyes met with that of a petite, older woman who had just crossed over to dig into our trash. Instead of disconnecting the eye contact, I sustained it, and in my heart, I became aware of a human being made in the image of God, not the label that she represented at the moment.
She spoke up first and said “sister, can I get some old clothes?” part of me was very relieved that she did not ask for money, because some times it simply means supply me “a dose of drugs”. Despite her dull skin and withered countenance, I saw a genuine spirit shine through her smile. Then I realized that we had “connected”. I loved it.
With slight hesitation, I replied her saying “I am late for work, but we could meet same time tomorrow morning, in front of my house because I want to put together some clothes for you”. She immediately bolted with joy, it was contagious. I felt a surge of warmth run through my heart as I walked away, it was love.

I was so grateful for the opportunity I was given to practice “seeing a human being first, before whatever labels the person represents”. She gave me an opportunity to grow in my area of “need.” She made my day! I am looking forward to tomorrow’s appointment, as though I am meeting with a V.I.P. I hope she remembers to show up.