阅读理解
On
the way back from work every evening, more often than not there would be a homeless
man standing at the exit of the freeway(快车道). He
looked to be in his late 40s but was probably a lot younger. He had shoulder
length straight black hair and a short beard.
Every
day after work I would remember to gather any spare change, and put it aside to
give to him if I saw him. A feeling of joy would come over me every time I saw
him, while coming off the ramp(坡道). So did he.
Sometimes the red light would be on for a minute and we would ask each other
about our day. His answer would always be the same, "I'm blessed!"
Then
one day I was called into my boss's office and was told that I was being laid
off. For the rest of that day all I could think of was "how am I going to
provide for my kids as a mother, how am I going to pay rent?"
Needless
to say that on my way home that day I was very sad and upset. I didn't remember
to look for my spare change and keep it ready like I usually did. Yet there he
was as always, as I turned the ramp. He set his eyes on me, while still smiling
and waving at others as usual.
While
I was waiting for the red light to turn, he strolled(闲逛) over to my car. He had a big smile. He looked at me straight in
the eyes and said, "Today I will give you a dollar." He then reached
into his pocket and pulled out a dollar bill.
You
see that day he taught me a valuable lesson more than a dollar bill. No matter
what material things are taken from you, no one can take away your choice to be
joyful. Every time I'm faced with challenges, I think of the homeless man's
valuable lesson and remember that I am blessed.
