My husband and I have spent a good deal of time this week helping a disabled senior in our community whose own family seems blind to even his most basic needs like food and running water, and we will be doing so again next week, and as long as we are able and our help is needed.
It's not that we have a lot of extra money for the giving these days with me not working, we barely cover our expenses; and yet we always manage to find enough to pay for our gas to transport him to doctor appointments, materials to help repair his broken water line, propane refills for his water heater, and food for him and his dogs.
He fusses because he cannot repay us, and I tell him that friends take care of friends and he would do the same, and I know he would if he was able. It is a joy to see how much he appreciates the smallest things... a warm dinner, or my husband taking his empty propane tanks to get them filled.
I don't understand why his own children with substantial incomes leave him hungry and cold, and even borrow money from him with no thought of repayment, fully aware of how small his disability check is, while promising to help him out later... but they never do; I know it hurts his heart.
We give him our time, our energy, our food and supplies, and our love, because we can... because we want to... and because we should - because God has given so much to us and He provides enough for us to share; and the truth is that we are more even more blessed in giving than he is in receiving.
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Enjoyed reading your post . And your response to given was an inspiration. We should all look out for each other and as Mother Teresa used to say " Give without counting the cost" ( actually, it might not have been her but she did say similar things.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for your encouraging comment on my blog . And yes, I will keep posting the story of Our Camino.
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Mother Teresa is my hero, even though I am not Catholic. I think she understood service to others better than any of us ever will. I believe that's why we are here, to help each other on life's journey. If we try, God will see that we have enough to do what's needed. I'll be watching for new posts to show up on your blog!
DeleteA very heartwarming story. It's a shame there are families that do not care enough to take care of the members that need it. It is such a blessing to have people like yourselves that do care, and will do what they can to help someone in need.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I agree. It seems that so many of the younger generation get so busy with their own lives and working to acquire lots of stuff that they forget who raised them and it's time for them to return the care. I am glad I don't run into his family members, it would be hard for me not to say "WTH?" But we just do what we can for him to make his life easier and God can deal with them.
DeleteAlways a pleasure to stop by here! Glad to have been given the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Paul! I have a lot of fun on Thursdays doing the two sides of me at the other place and here. :-)
DeleteYou feel the way i do, that you are blessed to be a blessing.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely, Mimi, it's not about earning stars in my crown, it's about the warm feelings in my heart when I can make someone happy for a little while or do something I know helps. When I brought him dinner yesterday and he started eating it even before I left the door, I knew how hungry he was. Working to get him into a better situation, like in town where he could qualify for Meals on Wheels.
Deletevery... inspiring Six, in the fullest sense if the word, it's not only good to do the things described, it's good to make it known, as learning the good people are capable of, especially nowadays, is a good thing for anyone.
ReplyDeleteWe are all capable of doing good, Clark, there is always someone within our reach that could use a little help or a community effort to be involved in. Talk is good, it builds awareness, but the bottom line becomes what did you really do? That's what matters!
DeleteWow, this is beautiful, and I can relate on several levels. The JOY of giving is a huge blessing to me...though I'm in the very low income bracket, God blesses and multiplies my Soc Sec check so that I feel Rich! I have neighbors like the man in the story, whose families abandoned them in every way--even though they could at least have provided financial help. I'm also familiar with the starfish story, from Pastor Joseph Prince in Singapore--it's a wonderful message about "even one" having value in God's eyes. May He bless you abundantly.
ReplyDeleteI know how much you do to help out your neighbors, Stella, you have a heart of gold! You understood my point, that we are given the means to help even if we don't have a great deal ourselves. There is always something we can do, even if it's just provide a caring presence... and maybe something wonderful that you have baked! :-) Giving is the best feeling in the world, it just feels right.
DeleteMore give and less take would make this world such a different place. A thought provoking piece indeed.
ReplyDeleteClick here to read my six!
Yes, it surely would make all the difference, Keith. So many people feel entitled now, as if everyone owes them and they don't owe anything back. But they are wrong. We have plenty and because of that we are to share and do what we can for those with less. Imagine if everyone "adopted" someone to help a little!
DeleteYou and Papa Bear are wonderful caring people. I am sure you have found that when you share your time and resources and heart there is always enough to go around. As servants for others you are the hands of God. One day He will say to you, Well done.
ReplyDeleteThere is such great joy in being helpful, Patricia, whether it's doing something, or giving something, or just sharing encouraging words. We can made a difference, and in a world filled with so much hate and anger, I want to be on the side of love.
DeleteAnd that is why there is a special place in Heaven for you and your Papa Bear. You're such a good person.
ReplyDeleteI am no better or worse than anyone, Elsie, this isn't so much about what I do, but about what we call can do if we take the time to care.
DeleteHis acceptance gives you the ability to be the people you want and meed to be. A true gift, you're right.
ReplyDeleteYes, you understand, Zoe!
DeleteThis is...beautiful. Love the 6. Thank you for reminding us that there are folks all around us in need of help and shining your own example as to what a difference we can make in another's life. Often a little is quite a lot.
ReplyDeleteThank you, that is the message... giving/doing just a little can mean so very much to someone else.
DeleteBeautiful. When we respond to that call to serve, God supplies the necessary tools. Keep being faithful servant :)
ReplyDeleteI am always amazed Rory, we give freely when needed, and somehow God always keeps us afloat. That's what faith is!
DeleteBeautiful, and so true. It is through service that we are truly happy.
ReplyDeleteSharing my time and God's love with others makes me happier than anything else I can do, it is what I live for.
DeleteReading posts such as yours is another reminder of the goodness in the world because of people like yourself. It is such an amazing truth, that you can never serve others and the Lord, but that you will receive more in return. Of course that shouldn't be the reason to serve, but it is a blessing that comes from the service, whether now or later. Lovely post.
ReplyDeleteI can't begin to count the blessings my life has experienced by sharing what I can with others, be it material or emotional, or the message of God's love. I am not exceptional, I am far exemplary, but I know what's important and what I want to be. That's what I continue to strive for, service to me is a vocation. I love it!
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