Grateful

As I walked out of the metro today on my way home from downtown D.C., there was a homeless man standing there with a sign asking for money. I decided to give him some money (I actually had some cash on me today.) I stopped to get it out and he asked me how I was doing and I replied with the normal good (which I usually reply no matter how I'm actually feeling) and I asked him how he was doing. I started to say something about how maybe I shouldn't ask that since he was standing out in the cold, homeless, without any money, but I didn't get to finish that statement when he answered that he woke up this morning just feeling blessed.

He said more, but I didn't hear, because I think I was taken aback by his grateful attitude.  I gave him the money and I walked away. As I walked away, I had the urge to turn around and talk to him more. I wanted to know his story, where did he grow up, how did he come to be in this situation etc, but alas I did not go back.

I went to the grocery store shortly after this experience and I seriously started crying as I walked out of the store and realized how very blessed I am. I am crying now even as I type this. I have enough money to go to the grocery store and buy basically anything I want. I have a warm bed to sleep on. I have a job. I have a family who loves me. And I could go on and on.

The song Grateful sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell immediately came to my head as I walked out of the store and I turned it on when I got back to my car. It basically describes exactly how I am feeling right now. 

I've got a roof over my head
I've got a warm place to sleep
Some nights I lie awake counting gifts
Instead of counting sheep

I've got a heart that can hold love
I've got a mind that can think
There may be times when I lose the light
And let my spirits sink
But I can't stay depressed
When I remember how I'm blessed

Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed And duly grateful

In a city of strangers
I got a family of friends
No matter what rocks and brambles fill the way
I know that they will stay until the end

It's not that I don't want a lot
Or hope for more, or dream of more
But giving thanks for what I've got
Makes me happier than keeping score

In a world that can bring pain
I will still take each chance
For I believe that whatever the terrain
Our feet can learn to dance
Whatever stone life may sling
We can moan or we can sing

Grateful, grateful
Truly grateful I am
Grateful, grateful
Truly blessed And duly grateful
Truly blessed And duly grateful