“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.”

— Mother Teresa

After taking my teenage son to his doctor’s checkup this afternoon, he was naturally hungry.

photo credit: cereal box via photopin cc

On our way to the drive thru at our favorite local fast food chain, Burgerville, (a business that really strives to be sustainable), we passed a young couple with a cardboard sign on the side of the road.

“Traveling. Broke. Hungry.”

I rolled down the car window, and handed them two McDonald’s cards (not sustainable, but available) to give them a meal or two. They were cordial, and smiled as they thanked me.

You can tell me that I shouldn’t give anything to the cardboard sign people, that they are all scam artists looking only for a quick hit, a beer, or a cigarette. Maybe you’re right. And a couple years ago, I would have believed you and never bought those cards in the first place.

Yet, even if those kids did take my cards and hock them for something, the cost of those cards and the act of giving them away gave me an opportunity to talk to my son about how some people can’t just go through the drive-thru anytime they’re hungry. Like us.

And doesn’t everyone deserve an offer of food once in a while, no questions asked? And to have someone treat them with a little kindness? Maybe people not so different than us.

And maybe people deserve the opportunity to give away a meal once in a while, no questions asked. And the chance to show a little kindness. Maybe people …

… like us.

Today’s gift of time a meal … Gave a couple McDonald’s cards to two kids on the corner.