Walls

What we see isn't necessarily what we feel. For example, when I see a homeless person, I do not feel sorry for them. I feel sorry for the circumstance of which they are in. I don't like to see anyone in hardship, and if I were that billionaire some desire to be, I would have to do what I can to help homeless. I know I can't end it alone, and I am sure there are others out there who feel the same way. I used to assume all homeless people were the typical vision we always imagine. The one where the homeless person is begging for change, only to go and buy alcohol with it. Living here in California for nearly 5 years now, I have seen some pretty proactive bums. Last week, there was a woman going through the garbage receptacles at my apartment complex. I asked her, "Ma'am, are you looking for plastic?" "Yes", she replies. I go back into my apartment and bring out five grocery bags filled with empty water bottles. "Here ma'am, you can have these." What she says is what took me by surprise. Her response was, "Oh, this is too much!" A simple thank you would have sufficed, but I wasn't looking for her gratitude. I could have kept the plastic bottles for myself and turned them in for recycling, but I have a horrible habit (one of which I am working on) to try to save anyone and everyone. There is a limit to kindness, contrary to belief. We should not exhaust ourselves being kind, because it becomes less of an act, and more of an obligation. It's alright to be selfish at times. That also goes without saying, we shouldn't go out of our way to reject the notion of being kind. Walls are good, but there should always be a stairwell to get over them.