"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.
Without them humanity cannot survive."
Dalai Lama
The owner of the convenience store watched the reflection of the young man in the mounted mirrors. The elder knew all of the signs as the twenty year old wandered the aisles turning his back to the mounted cameras. It was obvious to the owner that he was being ripped off. So he called 911.
The young man approached placing a few incidental items on the counter. The owner asked, "What else do you have in your pockets?" The body of the young man emotionally sagged with embarrassment while the owner cancelled the 911 call.
The elder asked, "Why would you do this? Why have an arrest on your record at such a young age? Do you not have something to work towards?" The younger man shared his story of stealing food for his younger brother and his inability to find a job. The elder did not press charges, but chose to be a mentor stating, "You are not a bad boy. You are in a bad situation. Let me help you." I would like to believe the response of love and compassion enhanced a life rather than hampered.
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