A few days ago, we were riding back from a day on Commercial Street- a bumper-to-bumper, shoulder-to-shoulder, smelly, dirty, hectic place-and I was just completely drained-emotionally, spiritually, physically drained. Our auto stopped at an intersection for 100 seconds (the stops are timed, which only adds insanity on the already rushed streets) and two little girls walk up to our auto; they are both carrying babies under one, and they cannot be older than 5 or 6 themselves. Honestly, my first response was dread. I was so tired and didn’t want to deal with this. (Oh so selfish.) Even though my emotions had become a little desensitized to these situations, it still greatly hurt. We gave the girls candy but they wanted money. Rachael asked the girl on her side her name, and it reminded me, attention was a gift I could give, and one the girls probably weren’t used to. As I talked to little M, she put down her beggar hand, listened, and communicated. As we drove off, she reached her hand in the auto and stroked my face. This action tore me apart. I thought these kids were so calloused that they could no longer recognize true love and concern. However, little M showed me that persistance and even just a little compassion still makes a difference. I am prepared to go fight! 🙂
