Up, And Then Down

I saw a young woman leaving a food bank and could tell that she was of The Faith and likely someone safe for me to help by giving transport.

After she accepted, I drove us briefly to my home where I could give her my favored foldable and smooth-moving garden cart because I had recognized that stalwart determination in her body language to carry a heavy burden that wears and frustrates the soul from toil that I have often mustered up to.

I thought to myself, “Not today, that effort is no longer necessary.”

She was surprised and seemed pleased, and we spoke about her country and perhaps teaching each other our languages.

Then, after I left her, there was a young, bedraggled person walking on the street, looking exhausted, carrying personal belongings, and dragging her sleeping bag while looking confused and despondent.

But I had already given away my cart, and what this youngling needed would be way more complicated.

My heart dropped for lack of feeling the ability to also extend to him/her – a youngling of my own country.

For if I did, it would become a way different level than I can carry or tend to currently.

It doesn’t feel right…what is my role in these workings?

Extending a brief, compartmentalized hand vs. taking on responsibility for another person’s survival.

Still, I went back to check on them, but they were gone.

They might have been heading toward a nearby shelter.