Originally from Keizer OR, I moved with my now wife to wonderful Colorado Springs CO in '97. Life's never easy for many I'm sure, but being of the selfish, self centered type, I've usually only worried about myself. Today, I try to be a little kinder, a little more 'available' to my fellow man. These times we are living in, well, they are troubling. I see many a man walking the streets and living in parks. Taking time to stop and chat with a few, I realize how wrong I am to judge my fellow man. Many of these men have degrees, families broken by circumstance. I've always seen the homeless as drug addicts and drunks, (deserving of their condition) but I find this not to be the case for most; their faculties still intact, many have just given up hope. I give thanks today, as I listen to the stories of many of these men, and relate. For I came once this way too, into a new knowledge and understanding of God and his Grace. His ever lasting love of mankind, no matter the situation. I challenge all of you to take just a moment, and pause...reflect on how you can affect another human beings life. Whether it be a donation to a charity, feeding a meal at your local Salvation Army, or just listening, get out of your comfort zone. Every 'thing' we do, effects someone directly/indirectly. One of our contests is titled "you last hour"....much to consider as I attempt this write...To all who've said hello, and to those who I've not yet met, welcome and please, excuse me now for my laymen's poems. Some very great creators on this site. God's love and Blessings, Michael Hornschuch