And Something to Think About

In today's economy, it is no doubt that we all either know - or are - someone in need: of a job, love, human friendship and company, food, clothes, shelter, warmth... Not all of these needs must be financially-based or job related. Sometimes just having someone come out and shake your hand and offer friendship and caring can help us continue to forge ahead even in the toughest of circumstances otherwise. I have said a few times that we are working on two major goals this year: becoming debt free and getting rid of the excess stuff that we have in sitting unused in our home.

I am more and more moved to achieving these goals as I hear about family after family - my own and those of friends - who are working so hard to keep what they have. I want to be able to benefit others where we can with what is not being used in our own home. To that end, there is a quote that Jeff first showed me that also helps spur me on and acts as a reminder that there is almost always more we can do.

"The bread you do not use is the bread of the hungry. The garment hanging in your wardrobe is the garment of the person who is naked. The shoes you do not wear are the shoes of the one who is barefoot. The money you keep locked away is the money of the poor. The acts of charity you do not perform are the injustices you commit."

-- St. Basil the Great

I have written about giving before - and the lessons I learned from my mom along those lines - but I try to find things that I can use to continue to inspire me in my mother's example. I am using this quote to continue to spur and drive me as I look at more and more in my house that is not benefiting me but that might be of great use to someone nearby. May we all be so lucky as to have something to share with someone else, to God's glory and to our joy. gm