We Want To Help Those In Need

A week or so ago I received a note in my mailbox. Printed on a piece of paper was this message in large font, “We are having a canned food drive in our neighborhood! Since it will be getting cold soon, we want to help those in need.” The instructions followed as to where to bring any non-perishable donation.

Although unsigned, I immediately knew where the note came from. Our neighbors, a family of six, have four children who I know to be energetic, playful, and very generous with their time. My grandkids know them by name and are always welcomed into a big playful fold. Our cul-de-sac brims with bouncing balls and bicycle laps, reminiscent of when my own children commanded the circular space just beyond our driveways. I was moved by their humble call to action. It was obvious the added description of compassionate was appropriate to describe them. 

I was especially touched by their intentional outreach because their expression to invite generosity feels especially needed right now. Now, more than ever, airwaves and radio waves and even community gatherings are cluttered with brash and blaring outcries which, once expressed, leave coldness and ugliness in their wake. It all makes me very sad. 

These past two years have facilitated a sense of tribalism and need to need to be right. We all have created our own truths that supersede the human call to care for one another. Outbursts of rage are slung without regard to the hurt and intimidation they yield. I have found myself perplexed and puzzled by how much negativity and cruelty are not only expressed, but celebrated and cheered. I am left wondering what can possibly pierce the stagnant rhetoric of anger and apparent lack of willingness meet one another in kindness.

The answer apparently is a recycled cardboard box placed on a porch with a hand written open invitation for canned soup and boxed macaroni and cheese. Leave it to my young neighbors to remind me that we are called to take care of one another. We are all in need, after all. I’m not sure how many cans they collected, but this is what I do know for sure. First, some local shelter received a box of food born from a genuine desire to bring goodness to others. And second, children continue to teach us the way to move forward even when the path is cluttered by way too many finger-pointing adults. My neighbors reminded me the most effective way to bring good is to keep our arms outstretched. 

We are entering the season of giving. I’m sure there will be many more opportunities to donate to food drives or support others in need over the next few months. My greatest hope is that somehow, somewhere, we can all find a crack in the hardness we carry around. I love the line written by the kids in my cul-de-sac world. “. . . we want to help those in need.” My guess is we are all those in need.