The weird feeling came when I tried to think about what to say. "No, I won't give you any money" didn't come out. Rather, I deferred to hollering at my wife after we got into the store because I didn't have cash. The guy mentioned something about me going to an ATM but that sounded shady. Dalena and entered the store, picked up our items and I spent the entire time in Walgreens debating back and forth about whether or not to take out $10 and give it to this guy. I felt sick inside, my stomach turning in knots.
Why did I feel this way you might ask? I've always been the nice guy. I'd love to help out everyone but after being the nice guy, I've gotten screwed over quite a bit. You see, the nice guy is nice to everyone but everyone isn't always nice to him. I've watched movies, TV and I've seen the news. Nice guy gives stranger some cash, but after pulling out his wallet, gets jumped for everything he has.
I was thinking about the Christian thing to do. I am reminded of the various parables and other stories about the good Samaritan, the woman who snubs the dirty homeless man who turns out to actually be Jesus, and the countless other tales of the diamond in the rough who is looking for that nice person to come along. Am I obligated to help this man? Is that the right thing to do?
The thing that threw me was that he asked for money. If he had asked to borrow my jack, or some tool, or asked for help changing the flat, I'd have done that without question. Instead, he asked me for $17 and offered to give me $40 in food in return for my assistance. What would you have done in the same situation?
As it happens, we did not give the man any money and I left Walgreens feeling weird and a lot like I should have given him something. If I had cash on me I'd have probably given him money but then I can say I'd probably have felt weird about doing that too. It's a strange thing.
For now, I must say good night. It's a big day back at work tomorrow after being out for a few days. The residents are packing to leave and the RAs are finishing finals. Here's to move out week!
