The following is a poem written by an unnamed homeless man that I heard read during a prayer tour led by Center for Student Missions in Chicago:

Eyes

“Look me in the eyes at least,

When you pass me by on the street,

Whether or not you answer my plea for money:

My eyes are the poorest of me—

Require only your two cents when we meet—

And are more in dire need of these than your feet.

My poor eyes!  How they have spent the rent

Trying to buy a pleasant remembrance

To throw up on my mind’s screen when I finally tire

Of going ungreeted, unseen.

I tell you what I want—what I feel

When you shuffle by behind your paper

Trying to be discreet, sweating slightly

Under your suit collar and looking down,

Always down, as if I were your sin. . .

Be absolved of the guilt trip!  Look at me!

Make me a mint!  Shower me with riches!

Give me a long look, and drown me in it!

Dignity outlasts dollars.”

We have the chance to partner with the Almighty God in restoring/reinstilling dignity and life to those in great need.  WOW! 

Are we so busy doing “important things” and/or living such fragmented lives that we are missing opportunities to be a part of such a beautiful and powerful experience?

Do you want to simply exist and attempt to survive, or do you want to truly live?