Signora Sheila

With a tattered sack of belongings slung over his shoulder, we watched as he trudged along, trying in vain to keep his bare feet out of the snow. Miserable, destitute, and in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the huge city, unnoticed – or almost.

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

But 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, we were even more startled.

Flip-flops in the snow

Though woefully inadequate, those flip-flops meant for warm beaches, at least put a layer between his bare feet and the freezing cold snow.

And while I fear that actions like the taxi driver are rare, it was truly heartwarming to see! May it be an inspiration to all of us to live in such a way that we, too, can give like that taxi driver.

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

So I have a suggestion for this holiday season. Why not give up some extra holiday goodies this year and instead fill your trunk with a bag or box of items for the poor instead? Sometimes even small items can make someone’s life a little more bearable.

📷 Image credit: winter street