I stumbled across a valuable "truth" in my quest "to do good deeds" today.
Number One: You cannot simply save someone from their destiny. There are forces in this universe that will resist your efforts until whatever fate befalls the intended victim.
It reminds me of an earlier folly of mine. Rewind to about twenty-five years earlier one chilly evening on the boardwalk in Mission Beach in San Diego. The sun had just set and there was a more than a hint of oncoming gloom. I stepped in a convenience store and got myself a tuna salad sandwich and an orange juice with the last of my change. As I was about to snack on my viands I noticed an old lady huddled on a bench. From her shabby appearance, she appeared to be homeless. I was moved to feel compassion and impulsively put down my still wrapped sandwich and carton of juice next to her. I did not say a word as I was too embarassed. She glanced at my meager offerings and exploded into a raging tirade. I was numbed with shock and shame. I faded into the growing night vowing never to give in to random acts of kindness to strangers again.
Fast forward to the present day. I am working in an office. The human resources department has brought in high school students to intern. One of the girls is quite pregnant At lunch, I notice she is not eating. The reason is simple: No money and did not bring a lunch. I give her one of my Taco Bell Chalupas which she wolfs down gratefully. The next day, same thing. I notice that she is set apart from the other girls. They do not socialize with her. Is it her pregnant state? I do not offer her food this time even thought she looks longingly (hungrily) in my direction. My guilt gets the better of me and I walk out and get her a snack. My colleagues look at me disapprovingly. I don't care. But now it appears I have adopted her. Sometimes when I forget to feed her, she asks for a snack. Its getting out of hand. I don't mind the expense but I have made her dependent.
They say that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. I know exactly what they mean. I cannot wait for school to begin and they get whisked away to class.
