A thought for the Holidays

Some years ago, when Sparkly and I got married, we were faced with the "blended household" syndrome ..... two of everything. Seeing that our marriage was also a blending of the lives of two hopeless "do-gooders" (said proudly) we needed to find a way to give our surplus things to people who could use them and who really *needed* them.

Years before that I had done some pro bono professional work for a Catholic parish in Baltimore's Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood - arguably the worst neighborhood in the city. The priest and the parishioners were simply wonderful people. He did all he could for them, and the parishioners I worked with -- though they had little themselves -- did for others as much as *they* could.

Anyway, we decided to give things to that church. This meant forgoing a tax break, as the individual parishes are not listed as charities - only the Diocese is. And we had a LOT of stuff. We packed up our stuff and drove it down to that particular church - St. Gregory's. Clothing, appliances, bedding, baby clothes (*our* youngest was then in her teens!), and stuff .... lots and lots of stuff.

The day we delivered everything, we called ahead to the church. They asked for a specific time we'd get there so they could be waiting and ready for us. When we arrived, it was clear why they wanted to know when we'd be there. A big man came to the curb and greeted us. "I'll watch your car while you go inside. You can't trust your car will be safe in this neighborhood," he explained.

Inside the church, down in the parish kitchen/community center there were many people working on getting lunch ready for the elderly and homeless (this parish does it all themselves - not part of, say, Catholic Charities or Meals on Wheels). The people working there appeared as poor as their clients, but they toiled away happily.

The woman in charge greeted us warmly and announced that we were there with some donations and for everyone to gather around. As we brought in box after bag of our "stuff", the workers all started going through it - not madly, but in a cheerful, orderly way. A bag would be opened and the contents inspected. "Sally, this would fit you, Come try it on!" "Ed, do you think your wife could use this blender?"

An unused baby blanket and sleeper set was unearthed. The woman in charge said "No one even think of taking this. I want "Jane" to have it. She's due in two weeks." "Oh yeah!" "Yes, Jane should have that. She could really use it. She has nothing for that new child."

Sparkly and I were unpacking and they were dividing it. As each person got something they could use - personally or for a loved one - they came over to us and gave each of us a genuine, warm hug and a "God Bless You."

One woman even looked upward and said "Thank you, Jesus!" We couldn't believe this. To us, this was, in some cases, stuff not worth keeping. But to them, it meant the world. We were looking around at people who were so poor they appeared to be the homeless and yet here they were, thanking us. And it was genuine. By being there, one on one, you simply **know** it is.

The joy here was entirely ours. There is nothing so good as giving. And there is no reward greater than a direct thank you from the person to whom you've given.

In this upcoming holiday season, try it. You'll feel wonderful. I promise.

Hope many find comfort and inspiration from it and take actions of their own to spread the bounty of their lives.

I don't belong to a church, but have been on the needy side of life and lucky to have met good people then. My daughter and I tend to take household items to a Women's Shelter we know to be doing good work. It is hard for someone to leave a bad situation, often with only their lives, their kids lives, and the clothes on their back. Hard to start over from nothing and make a home, a safe home, for your children. A bed, a little chest of drawers, a pot to cook in, a cup to drink from... Well, little things do mean a lot.

Think of the closet space you can gain as you make the daily lives of someone else measurably more comfortable and productive.

Happy Thanksgiving, evilDUers! I know you are all people with good values ;)

Thank You, Husb for your kindnesses, the humility of your report/actions, and the encouragement to others..

Indeed, there is NO better feeling, no better gift to one's self than to GIVE willingly/freely...without reservation...

This is the substance of LOVE

With a tear of joy in my eye..........HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you!

This is one of the 99 names of God, and means, Oh Generous One! One of my spiritual practices is to look for God in all beings. In your case, it was easy to find God's manifestation.

Your suggestion is a wonderful one, one I follow and, God willing, will continue to follow.