fourteen: Peter

Life as a professional bum still has its novelty for me, but recently I started thinking about what it would really be like to be what society calls a bum. No one grows up thinking their future will be less than desirable, but that is often what life on the streets is like.

Just the other night, a fairly large group of us were getting ready to enjoy a pot luck together. There was plenty of food and plenty of fun all around. And there in the corner sitting there was Peter, a man who's presence I have become accustomed to, yet I have probably never spoken more than 2 words to him. He seems to always be at the church, but always on the fringe of the actual church community. Sometimes he is accepted, while other times I have seen him chastised for eating food not meant for him. (Did Jesus not teach the church to feed and look after the poor?)

As we were all settling in, I noticed Peter had disappeared, but not before I noticed his longing gaze towards the food. Inviting him downstairs to join us was such a simple thing to do, yet I do not know why it was so hard and why no one else had said anything. I also had to walk by him 3 times before I could finally muster up the courage to ask him. It's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but really a part of me is so curious to hear his story. What is it like to live a life where all your worldly possessions can be carried around with you? Is the church a more accepting place than other places you frequent? How does one end up becoming homeless?

Growing up affluent I really do have a hard time empathizing with those that are severely disadvantaged. So my goal before I go back to school and do things like pro bono work for the those who need it, is to get a better understanding of where those people are coming from. I'm sure they have much to teach to someone like me, because their lives have probably not gone according to plan and I love to have every detailed planned out to the tee. So Peter, one day I hope to be able to have a conversation with you that goes beyond asking a simple question of whether or not you'd like to join us for a meal.