On the streets of Metro Manila, it is quite typical to see street vagrants. These are the nomads of the now, wearing dirt all over their body, talking to unseen companions, seeing non-existent objects. They, as we call them back in college, are the schizophrenics. The herd instinct upon seeing this type of people is to avoid them. Because they are crazy and dangerous, disgusting and scary. We, the members of the herd cannot be blamed though, for we are not trained on how to deal with these out-of-their-right-mind vagrants. But these people, they are blessings.
People at their curious states sometimes ask why certain things exists. (Just like when we question what the purpose of termites are and what their role is aside from eating the wood from our homes.) And it is in the same instance that we may wonder why God allows these people to exist and suffer and eat from the trash. To me, one of God's many instruments in communicating with us are these vagrants who teach us simple yet important lessons in life.
Each day on my way to work, I see at least one of them. And each instance is a reminder of how blessed I am regardless of the difficulties, negativity and insecurities I have in this life. And they make me appreciate what I wouldn't otherwise: my family and job. These vagrant teachers teach me not to give up, that everyone must strive to pursue living the life we were gifted with. They inspire me to continue finding the way to my dreams and goals because I am more able and I have a stronger support system.
If you see one of them, might as well listen to what they are silently preaching. They could have a message for you. And listen to your heart. Give thanks for their existence and show gratitude by giving something in return. It could be money, food or clothes. Or even better, a shelter. We may not understand them fully and we may get frightened, but it's okay. These vagrant teachers are not made to feel bad about you ignoring them. Just don't ignore your heart.
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