While I was coming to work this morning, as I was merging onto the highway, I saw a man on the side of the road trying to thumb a ride. I looked at this man, worn and tired, and couldn't help but to feel sorry for him. Its about 45 degrees this morning, and most people are driving like maniacs, merging and swerving trying to get to work on time. And there he was, standing by the road, hopeful of a warm ride.
I know that whatever he has done to get to this point in his life, he made the decision himself. Maybe he has a drinking problem, or a gambling problem or something of that nature--I have no idea. But, I know that he is some one's brother, or uncle--some one's friend or even father. Sure, its possible that he has let people down along the way to where he's ended up, but at the same time there is someone that has had to see a loved one struggle. Maybe I've watched too many episodes of intervention, or lived in the shoes of someone who knows an addict, but I understand the pain and heart ache a person must feel when watching someone stumble in life.
Like I said, I can only speculate about what led up to him hitching a ride on a cold morning, but whatever it is---losing a job or struggling with addiction, whatever--I know that many have shared his embarrassment and suffering. Even myself this morning, while I drove by, with my heat blazing in my car on my way to work. Just something for us to think about before we judge others....
