Thanksgiving day has passed. The turkey has morphed into various casseroles and side dishes. Our families have returned to their regular routines. While I enjoyed the time with my loved ones, it made me stop and think. While I was feasting on turkey with all the trimmings and watching football, many people were hungry and lonely. Sometimes I think that the hunger for love, and the need for companionship, is far worse than not dining on fine cuisine. Many people would probably be elated to feast on a bologna sandwich, if they had a loved one to share it with.
As our Oasis family delivered the fixings for turkey dinners last week, I was amazed at some of the heart wrenching stories I heard. People living alone, in horrible conditions, right here in our midst. I don't know why this surprises me. Sometimes, I believe we are lulled into the mindset that everyone is provided for. If a person is not gainfully employed, then there must be enough welfare benefits to supply their needs, so we think. I know that I have been guilty of this kind of thinking, in times past. Even if that were true, what about other needs, such as the need of friendship, love and community.
When I signed up for the turkey give-away, I wasn't sure who I should take the food to. I prayed and asked God to place someone in my path, that I could bless. As always, God answers. There is a man who comes into my office from time to time. I knew that he didn't have much in the way of material things. I called him that evening and asked if he could use the turkey. He said, "Yes, I sure could." He gave me directions to his home, and I told him I would be there about 6:30. I was running about 20 minutes late, and as drove slowly down the dark road, looking for the turn-off to his place, I saw him standing in the road. He had apparently been standing there waiting for me, in the cold for about 20 minutes. As I saw this man standing there alone in the dark, smoking a cigarette, and waiting for someone he hardly knew, to bring him food, my heart ached. He climbed into the van, and we drove back the lane, to his trailer. He began telling me of the hard times he was going through, and how he wasn't sure what to do, about a particular situation. We talked, and I tried as best as I could, to assure him that he was doing the right thing. I told him that I would continue to pray for him. I also told him to contact me, once a particular situation was addressed, and to let me know if I could help. I had another turkey dinner to deliver, and I asked Donald, (not his real name), if he knew anyone else who could use it. He said that he would see if any of his neighbors needed it, and if not, he could use both of them. I said, "that's fine." "If you can't find anyone else to give it to, then keep it in your freezer for later."
As I drove away, I was filled with conflicting emotions. I was truly thankful, that I was going to my nice warm home, where my family was waiting for me. I was also filled with sorrow and remorse. Sorrow for Donald, and others like him, who just needed the compassion of a friend. Remorse, for the fact that I complain at times, when indeed, I have nothing to complain about. I asked God to forgive me for whining. I asked for mercy, that I may extend mercy to others. My prayer for all of us, as we continue to be the Church, is that we will always be sensitive to the needs of others. That we will keep our spiritual eyes open, so we will recognize opportunities when they present themselves. Finally, that we will do whatever God puts on our hearts, to show His love in a real and practical way to the people that He puts in our path.
Recent Comments