Brrr...Cold Weather is HERE

I don't know about you, but I have shivered a little when I've gone out to walk the dogs, noticing that winter is quickly approaching.  My lightweight sweater just doesn't cut it anymore.  A windbreaker is ok, but a heavy jacket sure does feel better.  I'm out there in the elements for no more than thirty minutes usually.  My fingers are pretty stiff by the time I get home.  Isn't this refreshing weather!

Of course, if I were sleeping under a bridge, in a car, or some other place not suitable for human habitation, I'd be cold most of the night.  I guess my runny nose wouldn't be easily relieved with a tissue--I probably wouldn't have those.  It has been on my mind a lot lately...how cold I am in thirty minutes, how cold my homeless friends must be after eight or ten hours in the elements.  It bothers me, I have to say.

I'm not suggesting that we can all house the homeless.  Heck, there are some who are happier in the elements than dealing with the problems that come with a house or an apartment.  But regardless of where a person chooses to live, or where they are stuck living, not one of them wants to be cold with a runny nose.  I think I can do something to help them.  I think you can, too.  Buy a coat, not real expensive at WalMart; buy some gloves, some socks, some knit hats and scarves.  None of the items are all that expensive, but the value they serve to a person trying to sleep between shivers is priceless. 

When the weather is like it's been here recently, a heavy flannel shirt would be a welcome addition to a man's wardrobe.  I'm heading to the store this week to see how much it would cost to pick up three or four.  Maybe you could do that, too.  Maybe you have some flannel shirts or light-weight coats you've outgrown.  Doesn't much matter what size--kids to adults all need coats.  Of course, no child really wants to go to school in a coat that looks like it was a donation. 

Compassion, it's what we must have.  Dignity, it's what every human deserves to have.  Help, it's what you can do with little effort. 

Call me...email here.  We can warm a lot of bodies and a lot of hearts here in the fall of 2010.