I give occasional support to a man who lives homeless in our town. This man has led a hard life and was at one time a criminal, a drug addict and an alcoholic.
Whilst in prison he managed to come to his senses and today he takes no drugs or alcohol and lives an honest life. When I see him, I try to give him money and spend time talking to him, showing that I consider him to be a worthwhile person.
He is something of a philosopher and has many interesting and intriguing ideas. He told me that he had at times been offered a place to live in different hostels, but they were always populated with people who were still struggling with their addictions.
He told me that if he were to go into such a place he might be tempted to return to his old ways. His answer to this, was, that he was better living on the street where he was free of his past addictions and the very real temptations.
Two things happened last year involving this man which shows his strength of character.
One morning I gave him some money and his eyes lit up. He excitedly told me that he wanted to buy a box of vitamin tablets he had seen on sale in a local store, because he felt in need of them.
Another day I had been Christmas shopping, running around town and was tired. I saw my friend and stopped to chat to him.
He smiled at me and said –
“Now it’s my turn, here I am going to buy you a coffee.”
It turned out that in the previous ten minutes he had been given two cups of coffee by well-meaning strangers. He picked these up and handed one to me.
He was so happy to be able to offer me his hospitality and I was glad of a coffee, just when I needed it.
On the surface, this man is without a home, living on the streets. However, speak to him and he will tell you that he is happy. He also laughs at me when I talk about paying bills and decorating my home, he has no need of such things and no bills to pay.
He told me that he sees every sunrise and every sunset. He sits watching animals and birds and meditates for hours.
He goes where he pleases, never has any appointments and relies on the kindness and generosity of strangers, strangers who often become friends.
He never seeks pity, because in his opinion we slaves to society are the ones in need of his pity.
Until we had this particular conversation his perspective had never occurred to me. I had always assumed that he would feel the same way I assumed I would in his position, however , I was very happy to be proven wrong.