Don Dowling's Blog

Don's Blog

Hi all.
Looking out my office window from time to time brings to light the myriad of people who are part of our city life. Some are obviously workers, the black suit brigade, steady gaze, medium pace, ipod and white earphones. Others, slower in their pace, a map in hand, looking up and down checking their bearings, tourists visiting our fair city.
Then, particularly at this time of the year, the families, usually mother and children, sometimes grandparent and children, heading off to the movies, stopping at McDonalds for a treat.

The people I notice the most, and have done so ever since I moved into this office, are those who suffer a mental disability, obvious by their demeanour and clothes. I usually see them three or four times a day. Always alone, heads bowed, focusing on the footpath in front of them. Some shuffle, others just walk up and down, some sit on the bus seats, but don’t catch the bus. Some dishevelled in appearance, sometimes stopping and asking for money, others counting their money to see if they have enough for a coffee or burger.

It’s hard not to worry about these folk. Yes we do have facilities nearby where they can get warmth, a meal, a shower, even company but they seem to choose the street. The people and the activity of the city seem more safe that a conversation or a building.

It seems to me that these are the ‘poor’ of our city and even though we do provide services, particularly through UnitingCare West, there still seems to be a need. As I see them, I offer a prayer and I invite you to pray with me. Somehow, in our asking for a blessing we may find the way to offer it in a real way.

Thanks for reading
Don