Overheard...

It was interesting.  I was walking from the Washington Convention Center, the site of this year's NAEYC Annual Conference.  Educators gather to learn more about serving their children and families. There were two women beside me, attendees of the conference and one said to the other, "Those people don't use that money for food.  They are going to buy drugs."  She went on to say how gross it was that this man came up to her and asked her for money for food.
I was astonished that an educator would say something like this.  That someone who has the responsibility of caring and educating children would say something full of ignorance and hate.
Then as we walked along, I continued to eavesdrop, I realized that the woman was actually a girl of 17.  Then I felt guilty.  Because this girl is just a child and she doesn't know any better.  Why?  Because people like me, if I am to think of myself as an educator, failed to help her understand, failed to give her information about homelessness and addiction and caring for others.
So maybe the people I gave money to on this trip went out and bought booze or drugs.  That's not my business.  I am just trying to be about my Father's business.
So I will pray for forgiveness and I will try to be a better educator.  One who promotes empathy and compassion and knowledge and understanding.