Invisible...........

This time last week I was in downtown Chicago.  The goal of the trip was to spend some family time with Lexie before she headed off to college this August.  We had a great time.  We enjoyed a Cubs game, the Museum of Science and Industry, all the different parks in the city; we ate Chicago pizza, checked out the Rain Forest Cafe, played cards, swam and enjoyed the tours of Chicago.  With that being said, I found myself at the end of the trip feeling guilty. 

I felt guilty for not helping the homeless more in Chicago.  My theory in life "The Starfish" is that we can make a difference to some, but not all.  The homeless situation in Chicago was devastating.  I found myself passing by many without even making eye contact.  When caring about people is such an important part of who I am, why did I walk by as if they were invisible?  It was not realistic to give to all, but I could have made more of a difference.  I could have smiled. I could have made eye contact.  I could have offered a caring word of encouragement and yes I could have given more money.  The weather was hot and many were asking for something to drink, I could have bought water.  I feel very selfish that I continued to consume my $67.00 pizza, $31.00 dessert and I did not do more......

I am not completely blind to the fact that many homeless are dependent on substances and/or have mental health issues, however it is not my place to judge.  We need to reach out and help others.  I failed to do this to the best of my ability in Chicago.  This was an eye opener for me on many levels.

We will be doing our own homeless count in Chillicothe this week.  I know that locally people have ill feelings towards those that panhandle, but my question to you is, do you ever get the stirring feeling to do more?  If you do I am asking that you listen to that feeling and consider making a small difference in the lives of others.  In the mean time, listen to this song because even those homeless individuals had "Moments."  My challenge for you today is simple, hand someone in need a cold water, a blessing bag of hygiene items, a dollar or a sandwich.  You never know when this small act of kindness could mean so much.  "To the world you may only be one person, but to that one person you may be the world."

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQXtZ-kZWDI