From time to time we can get overwhelmed with the constant great needs that we become aware of, and when faced with our limited resources ask whether it is doing any good.
Over a year ago a man stopped by my office and dropped off a paper sack with two pair of socks and a winter hat. He apologized for not being able to do more\, he had stopped at the dollar store and seen them on sale and figured he could help someone else. I know the individual to whom the hat and the socks were given and they replaced threadbare ones that were not warm enough to stave off the cold. The gift that was given was a blessing to both. The donor on limited income knew he had helped someone and felt a pride in being able to give. The recipient was gifted with warmer clothing and the knowledge that others care about him and his situation. He was not an object of scorn or derision but a person to be helped.
The story goes that a couple and their children went for a walk on the beach at the ocean after the tide had gone out. And they saw starfish caught in the tidal pools that were drying up in the sun. As they walked they would pick up a starfish and gently toss them back into the receding ocean . A man can behind them and at one point pointed out that there are hundreds of miles and beach and thousands of starfish and what they were doing would not really matter. The young son ran ahead, picked up a starfish and threw it back into the surf. He smiled at the stranger and said simply “It matters to that one!”
As we approach Thanksgiving and the Christmas let us remember to help a little as we are able. Let is never forget the good that we can do even if it seems too little. Your too little when added to my too little and to other people’s donation can provide significant help to others and in the economy of God it becomes a blessing to us as well.
Don
