I went to Whole foods today to pick up a few special, but pricey items for my contribution to the meal. The man in front of me in the check out lane was an older man, maybe 65, thin and noticeably hunched over in clean work clothes. He politely explained to the cashier that he had a gift card from a neighbor in exchange for yard work. He didn't know how much it was for, but could pay cash for the rest. His cash total was $60. I didn't pay any attention to what he bought, but it all fit in one bag. That's not hard in Whole Foods. He was obviously disappointed that the gift card was of a smaller amount and slowly peeled off what looked like well worn dollars from his wallet. It took a while. I thought very seriously about paying his bill, but you know, some people can be offended with things like that.
I have wondered how things would have turned out if I would have offered. I was reminded of a sermon from a favorite book, “Each one of us here today will at one time in our lives look upon a loved one who is in need and ask the same question: We are willing to help, Lord, but what, if anything, is needed? For it is true we can seldom help those closest to us. Either we don't know what part of ourselves to give or, more often than not, the part we have to give is not wanted. And so it is those we live with and should know who elude us."
I hope everyone has a thankful Holiday and a giving opportunity. Best I can do for a Holiday wish.
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