Our weather has suddenly turned quite cold for Northeast Florida, with a few nights of hard freezes and days only into the low 40s, though bright and sunny. Last night, high winds just howled, adding to the chill. So, I am especially glad that I had completed a small gift to let just one homeless veteran know that people are thinking about him. Not wanting to seem to brag, I hesitated to write this post, then thought you might like to hear about this project. It's not much, but I know I am hardly alone and that many caring people are also doing for others this winter. Since I had some soft, thick yarn left from another project and wanted to do some knitting, it seemed like a good idea to knit up a long, warm scarf for someone who needed it. The pastor knows a gentleman who comes to the weekly Second Harvest food distribution at the church who lives in a tent and cannot bring himself to use a city shelter (possibly a PTSD symptom). He said that he could pass an anonymous gift on to "Joe" (not his real name), so my knitting project was set. Of course, I wish I could do something larger and more lasting for "Joe" as well as for many other fine people who come to the food pantry. But, knitting a scarf provided some satisfaction, as I also volunteer in the pantry and give to the Second Harvest organization. The scarf is a simple four-row pattern that knit up thick and soft in this variegated, washable yarn. I was able to make it more than 60" long from my left-over yarn, so that it will wrap around the neck and again around to cover the face, if needed. I included a brief note with Christmas greetings and a reminder that people at the church care about you, Joe.
Question of the day: Our country has seen plenty and excess--as well as recent hard times. For those of us with more than enough, isn't even a small gift worth giving to raise some one's spirits as well as to help meet a need?
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Thank you so much for helping Joe with this gracious gift, Mary. I know his heart will overflow with love at the kindnesses of others in his life. I know when Michael and I were living in our car for a few months last year, we couldn't have kept going without the help of friends like you.
ReplyDeleteSherry, your experiences are a reminder that none of us know what turns our life journeys may take. Our family has needed the kindness of others in one form or another at times, too. I truly believe in the importance of a caring human community for the good of all of us. Thank you for your response, and may you and yours enjoy a better, happier, and more comfortable 2012.
ReplyDeletei agree Mary. collective small things make a BIG difference. i wrote about my purpose driven blog before and i am happy to keep its mission. :)
ReplyDeleteGod bless you kind heart. Happy New Year! Have a blessed and fantastic 2012!
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ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't be hesitant at all to share an example of generosity. I know, I know. There's that left hand/right hand directive, but it's more about trumpeting accomplishments for selfish gain. Your example of helping someone in need is not selfish at all and should be out there as something to emulate. I wonder sometimes if the "safety nets" we have in this country do more harm than good. Do they dull our sensitivity to people in need? We might tend to think that since the government has programs to help people, we don't need to reach out ourselves, which is totally untrue.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response, Cher--your words are encouraging. It is good to know there are so many kindred spirits in places far and near. Happy New Year to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your thoughtful reflections, W2W and your support in my posting this topic. You are absolutely right that people need individuals to reach out to them, both with personal concern to let them know others care and with material help in small (and sometimes larger) ways.
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