Feed the birds, tuppence the bag

If you have ever lived in, or been to, Tampa, you know there is a large homeless population. It makes sense with the year round nice weather. If I was homeless I would definitely stay in FL.

On my way to work I always pass by a street corner that has a lot of car traffic. It is the corner of South Howard and Swann. There is a Panera Bread and a Starbucks, so lots of coming and going, picking up caffeine and breakfast. A month or so ago, there was a homeless man at this corner every afternoon as I traveled home from work, this was when I was still driving my car. Everytime I tried to give him food or money, he either didn't notice me or was too far down the sidewalk to hear me. But there were a few times that I just pretended he was not there and tried not to make eye contact. Finally, one afternoon, we connected and I gave him some money. From that day forward, I never saw him again.

This morning on my way to work, there was a new homeless man at this corner. It has been several weeks since I've seen anyone there. He was on the opposite side of the street so I did not stop. I have been wondering all day if he will be there this afternoon. I'll put a couple of bucks in my pocket just in case. I make it a point never to pull my wallet out in front of people. But it has been making me think of the original homeless man I saw on the corner before. What happened to him? Where did he go? Is he alright? I have heard at different points throughout my life that you never know how Jesus Christ is going to manifest himself in your life. I wonder if that original homeless was an Angel or Jesus Christ? Prompting me to act, to do something, not just to pass by and pretend he was not there. The song, "Feed the birds," from Mary Poppins, reminds me of that also:

Early each day to the steps of Saint Paul's
The little old bird woman comes.
In her own special way to the people she calls,
"Come, buy my bags full of crumbs.

Come feed the little birds, show them you care
And you'll be glad if you do.
Their young ones are hungry,
Their nests are so bare;
All it takes is tuppence from you."

Feed the birds, tuppence a bag,
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag.
"Feed the birds," that's what she cries,
While overhead, her birds fill the skies.

All around the cathedral the saints and apostles
Look down as she sells her wares.
Although you can't see it, you know they are smiling
Each time someone shows that he cares.

Though her words are simple and few,
Listen, listen, she's calling to you:
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag,
Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag."



It's the prompting, the angel, calling you to act, to do something. In the movie, Mary Poppins explains to Jane and Michael that some people cannot see past the end of their nose. So these people do not listen, look, or act when prompted by the little old bird woman. Hopefully I remember to listen and to look on my way home today. I can tell you one thing, it is much easier to observe life from my bike, than it is in the car.

Peace Love and Coffee!