The Woman on the Street

During the week I ride the bus to work. I get off the bus one stop ahead of where I could so that I can walk an extra 5 or 6 blocks in the morning before starting work. It gives me time to get ready for the day and gets the juices flowing before doing battle with the day's opportunities.

One morning this week I had just crossed the street and saw ahead of me a person that looked like they were laying on top of the trash can on the sidewalk. As I passed I turned to see who it might be and if they were OK. As I looked it was a woman that obviously had nothing but the clothes on her back. She was digging in the trash can looking for anything that might resemble nourishment.

I turned around and went back and gave her the contents of the bag I was carrying, my snacks for the day and a bottle of water. I realize it is not much, but it was what I had.

I finished the two blocks to work and got to my office. Everyday, I close my door and pray for my family and our business, but that day I included the woman on the street that someone could help her even more than the little I did.

Years ago, I remember going with a friend of mine to lunch. As we were leaving we could see an elderly lady with some car trouble. We got out of our car and were able to assist her.

My friend, told me that he will always get out and help if he can. His reasoning was that the lady could be some one's mother and he would want someone to help his if put in the same situation.

This lady on the street is part of some one's family somewhere. The only person who knows where her family might be is God. I pray now as I did that day that someone will help her.

I am angry at myself that I did not do more. I have the capability and the means. I need find my heart and act.

I firmly believe that everyday, we are faced with the opportunity to help someone in need. We need to find our heart, bring courage to our faith and do the things that need to be done to help someone in need. When the challenge or opportunity arises before you, be sure to answer the call.

Press On

I have found the when I begin a run or an exercise class regardless of my level of conditioning I hear the question in my head, "Can you finish this class?" Inevitably, I do, but there always seems to be that question. It usually creeps up in the first 5-10 minutes of what ever I am doing, spin class, aerobics class, or a run. There is a little voice that assesses my comfort level and tells me, you might be more comfortable taking it a little easier. But I continue on pushing myself a little more. Cranking down the resistance, or picking up the pace. Then I reach a comfort level.

When I am running I find the time to get to that comfort zone a little longer. Usually somewhere around 2-3 miles. But once you get into that rhythm, passed that threshold, I am fine. Getting there is the challenge.

I know in my heart that this is what I need to be doing. This effort will pay great dividends in the long run. But it is always a challenge of myself that I fight to continue on. Sometimes my effort is due to my desire to not wimp out. I have to keep going to save face. But then I realize, how superficial that is. I realize that I must find it somewhere else in my body to continue on. That usually is my heart. And I press on.

In my office is a picture of a lone runner running up a hill. It is labeled perseverance. The caption reads, "On the road to success, there is no crowd on the extra mile." How true. That the greatest challenge we face may be that first step of the journey wherever we are headed or being able to look ourselves in the eye.

I leave with this. Tori Murden McClure was the first woman to row solo across the Atlantic. During a radio telephone interview while at sea, the reporter asked Tori why she did this. Tori's answer was, "When I get to the end of life, I want to know that I asked enough of myself." I guess I am that same way. I need to press on and know that the effort I put forth asked enough of myself.