This year I have taken in a foster son, donated jewelry to help build fresh water wells in Africa, supported children through World Vision and Dalit Organizations and have given Boxes of Love through my church. As most of you know, I have a strong compassion for the homeless and less fortunate.
Now, I'm not bragging, this is just a a prelude to my story.
I went to an Acting Workshop in Hollywood a while ago and when I got there the only place to park was in front of a sleeping homeless man. The whole time I was in class, I kept thinking about him and was hoping he'd be there when I got out so I could give him some money. Yay! He was sitting next to his camp reading a newspaper. I went over and introduced myself and he told me his name was Lewis and shook my hand. We chatted for a bit, I gave him the money and off I went back to the O.C.
When I got home, I was soo excited to tell my husband about my new friend Lewis and that I had registered for the 3 day intensive that would be starting in 2 weeks. I kept thinking about Lewis and hoping he would be there when I returned.
The day finally approached so I packed up the Lasagne that I made the night before, some water bottles and bread and off I went. Yay! Lewis was still there sleeping so I quietly put the bag next to him with a note that said, "Have a nice day, your friend Lynnette from the O.C.", and went to class. When I got out of class, he was sitting there reading a newspaper. He thanked me for the food (he remembered me :-) ) and he asked me if I wanted him to wash my car. I said no thank you, that I didn't expect anything in return. He laughed and called me a crazy little blonde. You see, Lewis is a 7 foot African American man and here I am little Lynnette, 5 foot 2 eyes of blue..lol We chatted for awhile and I found out that he washed car windows, etc. at local gas stations for money. So, once again I rush home to tell my husband all about my friend Lewis and he thinks I'm crazy too. lol
Day Two: I get up early, pack Lewis a lunch and some cakepops that I had made for my boys (shhh don't tell) and off I go. Yay! He was awake! He shared with me an article in the newspaper about himself and how he was a rising Basketball Star until he lost his temper and had broken the nose of a very important person. He eventually got kicked off the team for repeateded violence and ended up on the streets of Hollywood. (Are you kidding me, this man was a gentle giant) I had to go to class so off I went.
After class he was waiting for me and asked me why I was so nice to him. I told him God loves a cheerful giver. Then I hugged him and back to the O.C. I went. Only this time, I stopped at the 99cent store and bought him all kinds of food, juice, toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper (we all need that), socks (he had holes) and everything to wash a car inside and out.
My final day: I pack up the stuff and the food I'd made from the night before (I love to cook) and off I went sooo excited! I got there and he was sleeping so I wasn't going to leave all that stuff there. I couldn't wait for lunch time so I could surprise him. I told him..."Lewis, I have a surprise for you". He followed me to my car and he was in shock. He said why did you do that I am not needy. (not in a mean way) Because I wanted to...ya know he got tears in his eyes and said I can't accept these things. (Can you believe it?) I told him please and that I needed to get back to class, he just looked at me puzzled and then I handed him a Bible and said this is why I do what I do. It's all for God and perhaps I'm just one of His angels. So he hugged me, took the items and I went back to class. When I got out of class, he had washed my car spotless.
You see Tony Robbins has 6 important keys to life and mine just happens to be Love and Connection and I love to make people feel Special and Worthy of attention. Thank you Tony Robbins and thank you God for my ability to love.
As the Beatles put it "ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE"!!
Oh and I really loved the class too!!!
Happy New Year and may God bless each and everyone of you as He has me.
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