Number 7

By

Claire

– January 20, 2011Posted in: Twelve Lunches

As I was pulling up to the same on-ramp where I’d given a lunch previously, I saw a depressed looking young black man dejectedly holding a sign at an angle that made it hard for me to read. I rolled down my window as soon as I saw him as I’d only have a few seconds at the stop light (it’s one of those ‘one car per green’ alternating lights that help ease traffic onto the highway). When I pulled up to him I offered the lunch and he seemed to perk up a bit and said “anything would help, especially food.” I smiled, handed him the bag, and drove off feeling pretty pleased with myself.

I looked in my rear view mirror, imagining someone hungry happily discovering the bag’s contents and sitting down to enjoy them. Instead, I caught a glimpse of him opening it briefly and then dropping it rather unceremoniously on the ground.   He then picked up the sign and again and turned slowly back to the line of cars.

Tags: homeless, service

8 Comments

1. Course Correction

   Posted January 20, 2011 at 3:45 PM

   There are too many homeless, depressed, addicted people in the world for one person to fix by herself. You are offering food which is a basic need.

   What we all should be doing is looking at the roots of these problems and working out solutions. Our social problems need to be met by government and large organizational efforts. What individuals can do is to support organizations that are working on the problems and encourage others to get involved. Your blogs help raise consciousness of the problem. Thank you.

2. Claire

   Posted January 20, 2011 at 3:55 PM

   “There are too many homeless, depressed, addicted people in the world for one person to fix by herself.” So true.

   • Claire

     Posted January 20, 2011 at 3:58 PM

     It was interesting to recognize that the homeless are not immune to the tendency to ‘put on a happy face.’ It seems like difficult circumstances can strip some people of that, but not all.

3. Elizabeth

   Posted January 21, 2011 at 5:01 AM

   Maybe he’d just eaten, and he will pick it up in a bit because he still needs to hold the sign.
   I’ve loved following these, and just wanted to let you know we’re working on it where we are–trying to figure out how to make it a ward-involved thing.

   • Claire

     Posted January 26, 2011 at 1:44 PM

     Cool- keep me posted!

4. Matt

   Posted January 22, 2011 at 1:05 AM

   Now if that lunch sack had jumped-up and kicked this man’s ass, I’d say it had bake-ru. Here’s to hoping. :D

   Seriously though, you’ve obviously learned that gifts are a two-way. Thanks for sharing.

   • Claire

     Posted January 26, 2011 at 1:44 PM

     Matt, I’ve been thinking about your comment.

     I’m not sure if I’ve learned that gifts are a two-way. I think I like it better when there is reciprocation in the form of a smile, thank you, etc. But I’m pondering a lot about what it means to be okay with not getting that. Part of me feels like it’s morally superior to not need the positive feedback. Like I’m too ‘attached’ to the lunch/gift if I need that, and it would be ‘better’ to just release it into the world with out needing a pat on the back or positive strokes. What do you think?

5. Angie

   Posted January 23, 2011 at 10:34 AM

   As a teacher – everyday seems like the lunches get dropped to me. I’m continuously encouraging people – students, parents, other teachers, administration, the voting public . . . to participate in ways that would only benefit their own self interest. At times, I even force a few 6 year olds to do things – like read, act with kindness, study science, run, eat healthy, etc. In the end. . . they all choose for themselves if the lunch I have offered is something they are going to eat.

   That is my favorite part in the Book of Mormon – 2 Nephi Chapter 2. Seems to be fitting, that the piece of the Book of Mormon that appeals to me the most is the part that talks about how important it is for each of us to choose for ourselves. Our agency is the most important gift God could give. I would choose the verses that also lead me to question the church mandates and restrictions that lead to conformity. Each of us are so individually unique and have our own path to trod.

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