At a meeting tonight we discussed giving. Primarily Christmas baskets of food to families in need. One woman in the group didn't want to give too much. For fear it would go to individuals she sees milking the system because they go and accept commodities and frequent the food bank every month. Another was concerned about giving because someone in the past had not sent a thank you note. Yet another didn't want to give to a family where someone smoked or drank. Felt if they could afford those things they did not deserve a basket.
Ordinarily, these are good people. Truly wanting to help others. And yet this evening a whole other set of attitudes and views came out.
Why is that?
My family is not holier than thou. Far from it.
We have our moments of grumpiness.
Trust me.
Yet, we believe we have more than enough and what we have is to be shared if possible. Our door is open. Always enough to go around. Always.
Our kids believe that too and bring home every person they deem to have a need.
Sometimes we hold our breath.
Other times the lessons we learn are incredible.
So the attitudes tonight make we wonder. How can I and my family help make change?
It starts with us. And with those around us.
Christmas baskets will go out. But they may also go out in January or June or August. Someone's utilities might get paid. Not because they are worthy but because there is a need.
There is a need.