Mona Lisa Smile

I met a woman yesterday named Mona Lisa. She told me she was 68 and had been homeless for 18 years. When I met her she was engrossed in drawing a picture with a sharpie on a paper bag. She is a fine artist, and something she had done professionally at an earlier time in life. She told me that being homeless all these years has been an opportunity to get to know God better- that she was closer to Him because she saw how He brought people into her life when she needed them- and how He provided for her in her poverty.

She was a beautiful lady- a lovely smile and clear eyes. We talked for about 20 minutes- and she kindly drew me a picture on a page of the Daily News that she had in her cart. We talked about her technique of drawing and her love of animals. She told me her head had been injured by a subway and that she hadn’t been able to remember a lot since then- but she still had a great vocabulary and was incredibly articulate. Someone had stolen her guitar earlier in the week and she was sad about that- but in the picture she drew a dog holding a guitar which made her smile.

This is such a hectic time of year- so many of us are rushing to get year end business stuff wrapped up. There are holiday festivities and shopping for gifts. I love this time of year. But there are also a lot of people in need- at this time, and at every time, of the year. Maybe with all of the good cheer that we feel when we see lights on trees or attend holiday parties, we can take an extra moment to give a hand, or a smile, to someone who is hurting and could use some extra warmth right about now. It is a good time to remember that we are all God’s children and to much has been given, much is expected.

As is always the case, whenever you give- whether it is time, money or attention- you always get way more in return. I got a very lovely drawing — and a very fond memory of Mona Lisa with the beautiful smile.