Did you ever see someone down on their luck and say to yourself, that could be me?
“There go I but for the grace of God” is the full quote I believe. This happens to me alot. I never take my circumstances for granted and realize how quickly life can change.
I was thinking of this tonight. Every Monday, our temple opens its doors for 50 “homeless” people who need to be served warm meal with a little respect. We have waiters, music and a 4 course meal. I actually put homeless in quotes, because more and more people are showing up who are just unemployed- without money for food. I am afraid that the line at the temple will get much longer as the unemployed join the Monday meal.
As I talk to the people that come to visit, I realize what a thin line that sometimes separates me from them. If life circumstances change just a bit, you never know what seat you will be sitting in when the music stops. My friends who have recently filed for bankruptcy can attest to this.
From these experiences I learn:
1. To appreciate what I have and who I am with every day. Assume nothing is guaranteed.
2. That you can work hard, but sometimes your circumstances dictate the immediate results.
3. The importance especially during these tough recession to give your time, money or ideas to help others that are in a worse place.
Do you have similar experiences? What have you learned?
