What happened?

I cried today. That's how much this small encounter today affected me.

I was at work downtown all day today and it was a pretty busy day. And just as several customers were in the store, this young guy (about my age) walks in with a red duffle bag. He waits patiently and then when he gets my attention, I realize that he is soliciting small toys an trinkets. And I know that we don't take solicitors and the situation feels awkward as he launches into his pitch and I am trying to figure out a way to tell him. Another customer walks up and needs asistance, so I go help him. When I come back, the guy had spread his wares across the counter, and yet another customer needed my help, so he looks at me a moment. Embarrassed, he hurriedly stuffs his merhcandise back into his bag and mumbles that he will come back another time. Later, I saw him pass by the store again, but he didn't stop.

The awkwardness of the situation embarrassed me. I didn't want to buy anything from him, and yet I wanted to give him something, or say something kind. I don't know why. And the encounter bothered me all day. Was it unsettling because I am a middle class collegiate? I'd like to think it wasn't merely pity or class propriety...I still don't know. Sigh.

Lord, may it be my own soul that I pity most, and in so doing, may I find joy in your grace.