It’s The Little Things We Take for Granted
A pair of warm socks on a cold night, a splash pad in the brutal heat, that second cup of coffee before we face the day, and the peace that comes when we tuck a little one into their bed. For our brothers and sisters living an unsheltered life, peace is often a scarce commodity. Peace of mind is a good thing and we all can use a little more of it in a world that is unsettled. Many of us do not have a clue what tomorrow will look like, but for the homeless among us it may look like more of the same struggle.
Let’s admit the obvious, a lot of folks are in trouble. For those of us not facing eviction, job loss or illness, it is hard to keep dipping into the compassion well. But I believe what the Bible teaches—the more we dip, the more we receive. Oh, it may not look what we think it will, a truck load of cash backing into our driveways or a lucky lottery ticket. Maybe it will be the joy in a child’s face when they bring home an A on a test. Maybe it will be a clean bill of health, a romantic evening with our partners. Maybe it will be noticing the little things we take for granted. Healthy water from the tap, our pets climbing up for a snuggle, or the kids going back to the classroom.
HERE’S AN UGLY TRUTH HOMELESS FAMILIES FACE WHEN SEEKING SHELTER
Often a single mom is faced with sending her 13-year-old son to a men’s shelter to get a bed. That is no choice anyone should have to make for a getting roof over her children’s heads.
So this week, maybe we could just look for the little things we can do to help a mom struggling to keep her family together. Let’s focus on the little things and show our family how a little kindness goes a long way. Here are a few ideas:
Create a Compassion Clean Out: Check your pantry for any unopened cans or packages that are still good and healthy. Have your kids check the expiration dates and chuck anything that is past its shelf life.
Create some Compassion Kits: Make it a family affair! Melissa, the more with less mom knows what is needed from first hand experience. Get some gallon size bags with a zipper (that’s important for life on the move). A new pair of socks, antibacterial wet wipes (packaged), small hand sanitizer, tissues, a chocolate bar, soft breakfast bars, peanut butter crackers, beef jerky sticks. Be creative and think of dental issues as you make your selections. Make sure your items come in the original packages for safety reasons. If I can, I try to tuck a few bucks if I have them in a separate snack bag hidden by the other items. Again, for safety. I keep these bags in my car if I pass a brother or sister struggling now. “Don’t worry, melted chocolate tastes good too.”
Make a Local Food Pantry Run: Your compassionate clean out will be a blessing. If you can, pick up some infant formula, sanitary napkins, a pack of diapers, too. Any of these hard to find items are truly gifts from the heart.
As we cultivate counting our blessings and showing our children what compassion looks like, you will discover that little things do mean a lot.
PS If you can, support organizations that keep families together. On my list is the Union Rescue Mission, Family Promise and of course A Bed of My Own. We believe that every child deserves a bed of their own and working moms make that happen.
