Everyone Has A Gift For The World
Sometimes all they need is just a little push
It was a freezing, windy winter night in Manhattan. I had just gotten out of a late meeting, and was walking to catch a train home and go to sleep after a good day’s work. Thinking about the next day’s to do list, I was practically in my own world, not really paying attention to my surroundings.
“Hey man, I love your kicks!” said a voice to me from the sidewalk. When I looked back to see where it came from, I saw a man wearing tattered clothes, carrying a garbage bag, standing outside of a restaurant — with a warm smile on his face. As I was about to say thank you, a woman walked by. “Hey lady, you have the most beautiful eyes. Can you spare some change?”
A revelation washed over me. This homeless man had a magnetic charisma about him. He had no fear of talking to anyone; and he was excellent at lighting people up. He had this amazing gift, and I felt pulled to help him harness that potential. I introduced myself, and told him dinner was on me. “Ralph’s the name. Thank you so much sir!” he said.
As we sat down and ate, I told Ralph that I felt he has an amazing talent for connecting with people. Hesitant at first, he eventually began to open up. He spoke much about how he used to love to fish. Ralph really knew his stuff; he was like a fisherman’s encyclopedia. I asked him what he could see himself doing, and he said that he thought he could be a good salesman. That was all I needed to hear to put two and two together. There was a sporting goods store right down the street. I asked him if he ever considered going there and telling them that he would help them sell their fishing equipment.
Ralph put his hands over his face as he spoke through tears. I’ll never forget what he said next.
“For 11 years, I’ve been walking around these same few blocks just trying to get a bite, get some cigs. I ran away from my problems, man. I had my woman and two kids, and I left them. I didn’t know how to deal with it. This morning, I was praying for something good to happen. I’ve been so caught up in the struggle that I couldn’t see clearly. In 11 years, no one has ever done anything like this for me. It’s time for me to make things right again. Tomorrow, I’m going to that store, and I’m going to find my girl. My prayers have been answered. You are an angel. I will never forget what you’ve done for me.”
By the end, I was in tears as well. Ralph thanked me for my help, and we went our separate ways. But to be honest, Ralph was the one who deserved all the thanks. The chance to be a part of something bigger than myself brought me unbelievable joy; much more than I could ever get from buying something for myself. The money I spent on Ralph’s meal was one of the greatest purchases I’ve ever made. Knowing that it is possible to have such a profound impact on someone’s life in such a short period of time gives me faith that, with the right amount of effort and resources, it is absolutely possible to create a world where no one is homeless.
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