Daniel My Brother

Walking the beach today and listening to the tides soft sound I spotted one of the homeless men from the night before. He was sitting alone in the damp warm sand tossing something to a flock of seagulls.

I watched from a distance for awhile as the many beach goers gave him a wide berth . It was then that my heart spoke to me and told me to go and speak with him.

I did as my heart commanded and walked slowly towards him. Startled he looked up at me a bit surprised. His eyes darted back and forth and subconsciously told a story. His hair was greasy, his clothes filthy and despite the sea air I could smell the smell of a life hard lived

I then spoke to him in a gentle tone and I watched as his face began to relax.

'You know, you're the first person that has even stopped to say hello today. Most of the time they just turn their heads like I don't exist and look the other way'.

‘I know’ I said ‘it's just that people are afraid these days and to be honest I really understand that.’

'Then why did you stop, weren't you afraid?’

‘No.’ I replied, but I was cautious.

He then began to tell me little glimpses into his life. How he got to where he is today and what his Life used to be. We spoke on for sometime and then I told him I had to go. He thanked me and we shook hands and I slowly walked down the beach pondering his words and a new perspective filled my mind.

Sure a lot of his place in life today hinged on choices that he made. We all have choices in what we do and how we live our lives and sometimes it goes a little deeper. Things like how we were raised and often it comes around to faith and if we have someone in our lives who will on their knees for us pray. I have people like that and I am blessed.

Yet it can all vanish in the blink of an eye. Therefore be thankful in all things. Love one another and for others you too pray.

J. Allen Wilson ©
8/29/2017