The Wanting

 In San Francisco streets I see a lot of people who need what I have, a more sober way of life than what they are living.  I don’t get frustrated by their not choosing to change, because my sense of their need does not yet match up with their wanting it.  They are not at the point where they want to sober up.  Jail, institutions and death await them.  Rehab programs and half way houses don’t work to sober someone up if they do not yet want it enough.  Desperation can be a gift if one lives long enough and able enough to respond to it.  So I pray and gently offer help.  They are a gift to me.  They are the reminders.