I stop at a street light, and see a beggar.

He holds a sign and looks dirty.

And I think:

"But for the grace of God... there walks I."

No way, You say.

And why is that, I ask?

Is it because of your providence, your lot, your fortune?

Well no, you say, mindful of where the argument leads.

No. It is because I wouldn't do that.

I'd find a job.

Really? I see.

You have skills, you are employable.

Where did you come by the talents you enjoy?

I have skills and sometimes

By the grace of God

I am allowed to employ them.

No. I studied, and worked hard.

I've earned what I have.

Really? I see.

You're not on the street

Because of your accomplishments.

I have studied.

Physics and philosophy. Religion and Politics.

History and literature. Art and science.

I have worked hard. And sometimes

By the grace of God

I am allowed to profit from my work.

No. I just wouldn't do that.

I take care of myself.

Really? I see.

You're not on the street

Because you are self sufficient.

I don't need anyone either. I don't even

Ask questions because

By answering them

Someone may help me.

By the grace of God

I am allowed to persevere in spite of my ignorance.

No.

Even if I needed help, I wouldn't Stand out there and

Beg strangers for it.

Really? I see.

You're not on the street

Because you don't ask for

Charity even if you needed help.

You are not there because of your pride.

I am prideful too.

I am proud of my accomplishments and my work.

The accomplishments that people see.

And those that go unrecognized.

The work that brings me fruit

And the work well done that is not valued

Here and now on Earth.

For whatever reason.

But I don't thank God for my pride.

That would be silly.

It gets in the way

And hurts me and those

That I love, My pride.

And with the grace of God I try

To either avoid

Or survive it's curse.

No.

It isn't pride.

I'd just rather work for my earnings.

Really? I see.

You are not there because

You would provide service.

Some sort, whatever sort, of service

For what was given you.

Yes, I would rather as well.

I see those that carry rags and buckets

Instead of signs.

And admire them.

They wash my windshield and I see that

They have helped me.

And I reward them

When I can.

You don't like those people? You didn't

Ask for their service? They are rude?

They are never rude to me. I don't ask them either.

But they are never rude.

And usually those that do

Ask before they wash

When they see in my eyes that

I appreciate their service and would pay them

But I can't.

They wash my windshield anyway.

But they don't wash my windshield

Much anymore.

The city where I live has lawmakers

Who felt like you that those who

Provided that small service with the

Rags taken from thier meager cloths

Were a nuisance.

Were undesirable.

Were best punished until they disappeared.

And by the grace of God

my small service

in my city, in my life

will not be similarly judged.