Flip-Flops in the Snow

We watched as he trudged along with a tattered sack of belongings slung over his shoulder, trying in vain to keep his bare feet out of the snow. He was miserable and destitute, and in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the huge city, he went almost unnoticed.

Unaccustomed to such sights, we found it shocking and heartbreaking. But life in any metropolis is often frightening, and for the desperately poor, it is sadly lacking in the basic dignity that all human beings should have. 

We were even more startled, however, when we saw a taxi driver pull up to the curb at midday in downtown Manhattan and run over to put a pair of flip-flops on the man’s feet.

Flip-flops in the snow

Though woefully inadequate for the freezing winter, those flip-flops at least put a layer between his bare feet and the snowy ground.

While I fear that actions like the taxi driver’s are rare, it was truly heartwarming to see! May we all be inspired to live in such a way that we, too, can give like that taxi driver.

I wonder how many useful things he keeps in his car, waiting to find someone who needs them. Has he given up buying an extra pair of shoes, a new computer gadget, or an unnecessary gizmo so he can fill his trunk with things that will help those in greater need?

Make a few care Kits for this Christmas

I have a suggestion for this holiday season. Instead of giving useless gifts, why not fill your trunk with a bag or box of items for the less fortunate? Even small items can sometimes make someone’s life a little more bearable.

You could even keep some pre-assembled care kits in your car. Some essential items to include are: clean socks, bottled water, wet wipes, toothbrushes, tissues, deoderant, gloves, hats, and rain ponchos, and soft nonperishable food such as granola bars, crackers, applesauce pouches, tuna pouches.

📷 Image credit: Winter street.