on being too busy to be a Good Samaritan....

Last Saturday, had to go to back to office to help play host and guide to a group of visitors in office. I figured since I was going to be in office in the afternoon till evening, might as well go back in the morning to clear some work as well.*

The day was fine and dandy, so I figured I might as well walked to the bus-interchange.** While walking there, I was approached by this woman. She looked kinda distraught as she related to me how she had just lost her purse, and she had no money, and could I spare her some money to help her get back to her home.

Well, as I was in a hurry, I didn't think too much. I whipped out all the small notes I have in my wallet ($6, methinks) and passed it to her.*** As she took it, she had tears in her eyes, and thanked me profusely. And we parted.

Now even as I was walking away from her, I didn't feel good about the whole deal. Not because I had just given my lunch money to that woman; but more of because the callous manner in which I have helped her solved her problem. True she needed money to get home; instead of just giving to her immediate need (the money to get home), I maybe could or should have accompanied her to the nearest police station and lodge a report (so that she has a possibility of retrieving her important documents, like bank and identification cards).

Also, I suspect the tears that were welling in ger eyes were not tears of gratitude; rather - they could tears of shame and indignation because of the "callous" way in which I have dismissed her...

Well, the self-recrimination can go on and on; still I got to leave it to my Lord to deal with me in my heart about the lack of compassion I have. True, I have an "urgent" matter to attend to. Still, I think the woman's needs were greater than mine on that day...

Something to ponder reflect upon...

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*hah, if my friends ever read this, they probably will go and buy lottery. They all know how "allergic" I am to doing "extra time" and "work"... :p

Nonetheless, this is ministry, not work; so it's a different story. :D

** It's a good 20-minutes walk. Most Singaporeans would scoff the idea and think I'm cheapskate and trying to save on the feeder-bus fare. Well, it's my ONLY form of regular exercise, so to those who thinks I'm masochistic, I quote my favorite slogan from my friend's tee - "Like I Care"^ ;p

^ Yes, it's a girl tee; that's why the sissy-fied overtone. Whatever. :D

*** I had 2 big blue notes ($100) in my wallet,which I didn't give it to her. Why didn't I? I guess deep down in my heart, I'm just not the Good Samaritan type. Hmm, probably can share this lesson in office devotions on Thursday.... There's a lesson to be learnt in this.