Panhandling

When we lived in China I would write about some of the strange happenings and strange people I'd run into. As it turns out, there are strange happenings and strange people here in America, too.
For example, tonight we went to play at the park. There was a guy in the parking lot blaring his music from his shiny black convertible. I knew I'd seen him before, and it took me a while to place him. He kind of reminded me of a man from church, though this guy was much scruffier and weather-beaten. I'm sure I stared a little too much for politeness, but I was sure I'd seen him somewhere.
Oh yeah! He's one of the guys who panhandles on the street corner where we live!
I always feel kind of awkward around panhandlers, because you never know what people are going to spend your money on. And it turns out that-- in this instant-- I was right for being suspicious! I really don't feel bad giving someone money when they need it to survive another day in their hand-to-mouth existence. But I think people like this are a bit too common. I walked by another of the regular panhandlers on our block, and he turned around to see me, and I noticed he was talking on his cell phone.
Now, I don't have to make any guesses to know that these people aren't living an easy life. But I also know that my money could be better donated to other useful causes.
And I also know I won't be going up to that guy from church and saying, "Oh, I saw someone the other day who reminded me of you! Yeah, it's this beggar guy outside our building who actually owns and drives a sports car!"