The subway train came to a jolting stop. A mass of travelers scooted out the doors, while others jostled each other to board the train. The doors closed and a few people plugged into their iPods. A group at one end of the car engaged in loud debate and frequent laughter. The rest remained quiet and somber. Steadily, the train gained speed. The air-conditioning whispered overhead. The tracks rumbled underneath.
The door between cars opened. A thin boy around eighteen years old trudged into the train car. His hands were leathery and dirty. His forearms bore two smudged tattoos, a spider web and a faded cross. His face was blank, his head tilted down. The locals continued reading their newspapers. Tourists peered at the curious sight. They whispered to each other.
The boy then spoke with a pitchy voice, “Hello, everyone. My name is John.” Taking off his hat, he continued. “I’m in a rough spot in life, and I could really use some help. I’m broke. I’m homeless. I don’t have anyone to go to for help.” Pausing in the aisle, his head turned from side to side aimlessly. “All I’m asking for is a little help.” His voice pitched at the end, making the plea sound like a question. “Anything will help.” He faced the train’s passengers with empty eyes. He swallowed hard, as his head gradually fell further.
As he walked through the car, he offered his hat right and left. One woman, sitting cross-legged, whirled her head away. Her hands tensed around her purse. The boy and his hat continued down the aisle. One anonymous dollar made its way into the hat. He stood before the travelers one last time. His eyes darted from one person to another. No eyes met his. His shoulders sunk. Turning, he put on his hat and drew in a breath. He gripped the door handle and hesitated for a moment. Then, raising his head, he opened the door.
The train slowed and came to a jolting stop. The train emptied and filled with more quiet and somber travelers, and the train moved on. The door between cars opened. A boy emerged from the previous car, his head angled down. “Hello, everyone. My name is John.”
As we enter the fall, with Thanksgiving just around the corner, stop to consider the second-greatest commandment and its all-important question: “Who is my neighbor?”
Walking by faith and enjoying the homeschooling adventure of a lifetime!
