Vikram was parked in front of the mall wiping off his car. He had just come from the car wash and was waiting for his wife to get out of work. Coming his way from across the parking lot, there stood, what society would consider a bum or beggar. From his looks, he had no car, no home, no clean clothes, and no money. There are times when you feel generous but there are other times that you just don't want to be bothered. This was one of those times, not to be bothered Vikram hoped that he won’t ask him for any money,” He didn't. He came and sat on the curb in front of the bus stop, but he didn't look like he could have enough money to even ride the bus. After a few minutes he spoke. "This is a very pretty car," he said. He was ragged but he had an air of dignity around him. His scraggly blond beard keeps more than his face warm. Vikram said, "Thanks," and continued wiping off his car. The beggar sat there quietly as he worked. The expected plea for money never came. As the silence between them widened, Vikram wanted to ask him whether he needs any help." Vikram was sure that he would say "yes" but held true to the inner voice. "Do you need any help?" Vikram asked. He answered in three simple but profound words that we shall never forget.
We often look for wisdom in great men and women. We expect it from those of higher learning and accomplishments. The bum expected nothing but an outstretched grimy hand. He spoke the three words that shook Vikram. "Don't we all?" he said. Vikram was feeling high and mighty, successful and important person, above a bum in the street, until those three words hit me like a twelve gauge shotgun. Don't we all?
Every one needed help. Maybe not for bus fare or a place to sleep, but all needed help. Vikram gave him not only enough for bus fare, but enough to get a warm meal and shelter for the day. Those three little words still ring true. No matter how much we have, no matter how much we have accomplished, we need help too. No matter how little we have, no matter how loaded we are with problems, even without money or a place to sleep, we can give help. Even if it's just a compliment, you can give that. You never know when you may see someone that appears to have it all. They are waiting on us to give them what they don't have. A different perspective on life, a glimpse at something beautiful, a respite from daily chaos that only you through a torn world can see. Maybe the man was just a homeless stranger wandering the streets. May be he was more than that who knows? So treat every one equal, never under estimate others and try to help others.
