As the rains from the clouds that once were part of Hurricane Ida fall in my area, I reflect.  I praise God. Even though things look cloudly and rainy in my life right now, he has spared my family from some real hurricanes.

Yesterday, I saw a man sitting outside a health food store.  He was sweaty and unattractive. He looked homeless. I chose to smile at him as I went into the store.
As I was leaving, heading towards my car, he asked me for some money so he can buy a drink. He had been riding his bike for some miles now. He has a job in a town north of there waiting for him. He was thirsty. As I said before he was sweaty. He looked like had been ride a bike for some miles.

The owner of the store came up and told the bike riding man to move on, pan handling is not allowed. I had to act fast. I gave the bike rider some cash, less than $20.  As I was driving off, I realized that there is bus that goes to where the bike rider wanted to go.  So I went find the man. I found him going north on RT 1.    I stopped and told him about the bus that goes along RT 1.

I knew when I gave the man the money that my husband, Albert, would not approve. He doesn't earn money to feed strangers. I usually don't give money to strangers on the street.  By giving money to such people encourges such people to hang out in front of business. The business owners don't like unattractive homeless people hanging around their stores.  It is bad for business.

Is giving money to this man a good use of money?

In related news:

Last Sunday, oldest wanted to put some of his birthday money in the poor box. My 2nd and 3rd born tried to stop him. They wanted him to save up for some toy.
He did it anyways.

Currently, I am still pregnant. The picnic is tomorrow. If active labor stays away for just another 32 hours, I will stay pregnant for the whole picnic and I will get to wear my Geek Inside shirt.