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Most of us have more than we need

Just because Thanksgiving is over does not mean we should stop counting our blessings and being grateful for what we have. But just as important, in my opinion, are having some compassion and doing the right things.

When I picked Jordan up from school on Monday, she asked me if I saw the Christmas tree at church. I told her it was actually the Giving Tree, and that even though I did not have a job and money was tight, we could still pay our bills and were blessed. Therefore, we would be giving someone less fortunate a gift. I explained to Jordan that I chose a tag for an elderly woman who probably had no family. I went on to say that some people have little or no money and they probably wouldn't be getting any presents. Jordan then said she could give someone one of her toys. That thought made me smile (and brought a tear to my eye).

After I picked out a tag from the Giving Tree last week, someone in my choir commented that people should not be studying the tags; they should just pick one and buy whatever was on that tag. At first I agreed with her, and I explained since I pretty much had no extra money, thanks to being out of work, I purposefully selected a tag for a less expensive gift. This woman said what I was doing was fine. But then I thought, none of us really know the reasons for others people's choosing. And even if there is no "good" reason to pick a "suitable" gift, does it really matter? At least they are giving.

Thanks to being laid off and being affected by the tragic death of Amy's kids, I am really making a concerted effort to be less judgmental, more compassionate, and just to count my blessings. I am trying to remind myself that I don't know everyone's situation so I should think before I make a negative comment. Just yesterday I "defriended" a friend on Facebook because she was so derogatory about and towards people on welfare, I could not stand it (another of her friends who IS on welfare was much more up in arms than I). Who is she to judge? Who are any of us, really?

Too often we think people are doing the wrong thing. Maybe we just don't know the whole story. Sure, some people abuse the system and take money from the government (i.e., the taxpayers) when they should not be. But others really are in need. And who knows when any one of us may truly need a handout. Unfortunately, you cannot always count on fellow men to help those truly in need.

I am not perfect, not even close, but I am really trying to be a better person and do the right thing, even if just by doing small acts of kindness. I have a long way to go, but every journey starts with a few steps.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Lynnette wrote:

If this had a "like" button, I would have selected it. Go Facie!
Anonymous said…
Good for you for wanting to do for others in your situation even. I don't think it matters either if you pick out a tag for the tree. Jordan is sweet!!

As for the facebook stuff I am curious about what that girl said and what the other girl did too. Bad karma.
chris h. said…
We, too, have perused the tags on the giving tree before choosing one. For me, it's because I'm not always up on the latest techno-gadget and would prefer to stick with something I know (e.g., a Lite-Brite or a doll or some boots). Really, as long as you choose one, what does it matter?
Facie said…
Thanks for "liking" it, Lynnie!

Chris and Anon, it seems many agree with you about the tag. Good point about not knowing what some gadget is, Chris.

As for the FB exchange, I don't remember most of it. I wish I had not been so quick to delete this woman as a friend b/c I am curious as to what was said after I made my comment which was followed by some lovely cussing on the part of this woman. I bet she made quite a few people mad. Oh, well.

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