Humble Homeless Honesty

Tonight a homeless man told me I was beautiful as I left the shelter where we serve hot meals on Monday nights, and I was flattered. "Are you married?" he asked, to which I could confidently reply, "Yes, I am," but the sincerity of his compliment struck me as so sweet, my heart was blessed. As I drove home, I thought of the time and energy we expend to sustain an image that we have mistakenly been deceived to believe is worthwhile; that somehow people in the world will admire us or envy us if we project an image of significance. I have been as guilty of anyone of doing that. For too many years I struggled to maintain an image of beauty, confidence, and success; but all I earned for my efforts were thyroid malfunctions, a serious bout of depression, and extreme fatigue. That qualifies me as crazy, I am sure. Praise God I have been cured. I have nothing to prove to the homeless people at the food pantry. I just listen and care and hold their hand when they hurt. And that is why I was more blessed by the sincere compliment of a homeless man than I have ever been by a charming entrepreneur. The humble homeless man had nothing to offer but honesty, and this crazy woman drove home feeling grateful for that. Humility and honesty are lost values in today's world, but I get to experience a bit of both every Monday night and it feels great.