Beggars really can be choosy!

So here is my NYC experience of the week. I was still coming down from the spiritual high of stake conference when I decided it was time for me to start giving back to the city of NYC as I feel I have taken more than I have given (not the side of the ledger you want to reside). So, as I walked to work I decided that I would try to do something everyday to give back a little. Many of my days I just pick up some paper or help someone who seems to be in need. This past week I decided to start giving a little something to a couple of beggars in the street. I know, I know, this isn’t necessarily the right thing to do, but it just felt right that week. Whether it was for me or the person to whom I would share some money I’m not yet certain. So I gave some money to a guy on 5th Ave, and then as I neared my office I noticed a man who I had seen many times sitting there in a vegetation state -- so I decided he would be my next target. I decided instead of money I would give him a bagel; so I bought the bagel and dropped it off by his feet and turned and proceeded to work. The next day I started thinking about that man and whether I should make a daily habit of this or not. I decided I couldn’t do it everyday … or could I …hm. I’m ashamed to admit that I took the longer route to my office with the thought that if I didn’t see him, I wouldn’t feel the need to start making this a habit (out of sight out of mind). Well, as I crossed Park Ave and strarted up the stairs to work, I glanced over and sure enough, there he was. I turned around and decided to buy him something else to eat. This time I bought him a large muffin as I thought it might be easier on his teeth (they didn’t look very strong). So as I went to drop the muffin off by his feet, he broke from his vegetated state and demanded I take back the food as he didn’t want or couldn’t eat such food. Startled by both his negative reaction and the number of eyes that were now centered on me, I struggled with the right thing to say. So, I leaned toward him and said that today I had given him a muffin that might taste better. He then indignantly demanded that I ask him what he wanted to eat. “I’m sorry” I said quietly, “um, what would you like to eat?” I asked. Now people were almost stopped to observe my awkwardness and intent to hear the response from the old guy they had also probably observed over the years. He clearly demanded, “I want a sandwich and hot chocolate!” Oh, I see. Sobbing buckets of tears, I almost thought of asking him what type of bread he may want on that sandwich, but I let it alone. He handed my muffin back to me in the brown bag and dismissed me with his eyes. The world started revolving again and I took the bagel and walked puzzled back to work, I think a little wiser. Now that was interesting. I sat in my room, thought about the reaction from the man, and then ate the muffin – which was wonderful by the way. Not sure I will try that one again. I think I will take a different approach. I’ll let you know at some point what that may be.