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We were involved in a project to deliver food parcels to needy elderly folk living in the district. We loaded up the car and map in hand off we went.
Most people accepted their parcels gratefully although one complained that it wasn’t as big as last year whilst another moaned about “all that rich food”. One couple indignantly said they didn’t need charity hand outs from some posh do-gooder in a fancy car. They had worked hard all their lives for what that had – which apart from two spotlessly clean if a little shabby rooms - was not very much. The one who stays in my mind, though, was the old chap who took his parcel gratefully but said: “I am never going to eat all this! Will you stay for a bit, we can have a chat and you can share it with me? There is no one else now Elsie’s gone.” Of course we couldn’t stay as we had 50 more parcels to deliver and it was the week before Christmas and you know how busy that gets. Anyway we didn’t really know him, did we? So we made our apologies and left to continue our charitable deliveries. That was 43 years ago but the story still remains in my memory. I wonder why. Anyway, what would you have done?
3 Comments
Steve Givens
26/1/2015 05:40:06 am
What a beautiful, short reminder of the importance of our presence in other people's lives. It's not always convenient but, as your memory shows, the impact will be felt for many years for both the giver and the receiver. He may remember that time some stranger came by with food and may not, but he would likely always remember the time a new friend came by for a chat over a meal...
Kathleen
29/1/2015 06:21:13 am
What a beautiful story about the diverse attitudes we all may hold in our hearts at different phases in our lives. We can be so affected by the circumstances we are in at that moment, not even considering the other person. But that one man . . . The cheerful receiver . . . So ready to share! Love it! Brings tears to my eyes. When I feel pulled to make a choice in a situation where I'm pulled in many directions, I am reminded of two things: 1. I am not God and cannot be everywhere at once. 2. He perhaps has chosen someone more effective than I to attend to what I am not able. Thanks Peter! How I enjoyed that reflection! God bless!
Lily Lee
22/2/2015 07:17:16 am
I would have probably spared him a few moments. He yearned more for the company than the food parcel. That he is lonely with Elsie gone is tangible else he would not have suggested it. His heart must have ached when this was not to be. The fact that you still recall it so vividly after 43 years speaks volumes on how much it impacted you as I suspect it must him too. Hence we are always reminded that no matter how busy life is, do stop to 'smell the roses'. God Bless Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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AuthorI am an Authorised Local Preacher in an Anglo Catholic parish church, in the Diocese of Essex UK Archives
February 2022
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