December is a very special time of the year. Warmth and caring prevail.

During this holiday season, we need to think about the blessings we can bestow upon others, now and all year round. We can do this by . . .

Reaching Out

As I walked by the railroad tracks one morning,

I saw an old man in tattered clothes coming toward me

He had a slight limp,

swayed in a peculiar manner

and shuffled his feet as he moved.

My first thought—

avoid him,

but it didn’t seem right.

I approached

and extended my hand

in a gesture of friendship.

He paused for a moment

and stared

at my outstretched arm.

Had it been too many years

since he felt

the warmth of a touch?

He looked

at me

with pleading eyes.

My heart

filled

with tenderness.

He grasped my hand—

chills

ran through my body.

Not a word uttered,

but a clear message

conveyed.

I am a man worthy of recognition

and for your kindness

I am forever in your debt.

Copyright © 2011 Alan Lowe. All rights reserved.