During these trying economic times, it often amazes me how people take things for granted. It seems that food, shelter, clothing, health and jobs are not appreciated enough. Frankly, I am sick and tired of hearing people complain about the things they do not have instead of being thankful for the simple things. I hear people complain about their jobs when so many are losing theirs.  Job security no longer exists. Many find it a struggle to provide for their families.
A friend of mine takes her time each Saturday to prepare meals for the homeless in downtown Detroit. She wakes up early on Saturday morning and shops for groceries. She then returns home to prepare a meal for the day. It’s usually something like chili, soup, spaghetti, beef tips with noodles, or anything that can stretch a long way. She then makes the trip to Detroit and sets up a table on a corner of Cass Corridor. As the homeless approach the table, she humbly serves and comforts them. Many of them know her and look forward to her meals each week. Others complain about the food and are quick to tell her that they don’t like chili or don’t care for beef tips. “Do you have anything else?”, one lady asks her.
Another friend shared a story of an ill couple living in her apartment complex that had little food and no money. She and a few of the neighbors decided they would do some shopping for the couple in an effort to help them out. When they delivered the groceries to the couple, the wife said, “I don’t really like this brand. I don’t care for this very much.”
What happened to the old saying, “Beggars can’t be choosers”? I do not understand how some people might have nothing else but the audacity to be choosy and complain about receiving a free meal or a little kindness. Neither of my friends are obligated to help others but choose to do so out of the goodness of their hearts. These women are thankful for their lives, so they take the time to give thanks to God and help others in return.  Thankful is as thankful does.
We are taught to give to others.  Each holiday season, commercials flood our TVs that ask for donations and help for the poor. Although I am certainly not wealthy, I give and share with others. I am thankful for everything in my life. Waking up with a warm blanket, my healthy children by my side, and having a hot meal for them is truly a blessing. Waking up is a blessing. I know what its like to catch a city bus in the freezing rain. I know what its like to wonder where your next meal is coming from. I appreciate help from others and I expect others to be appreciative as well. My fear is that people will stop giving because they feel their help is not appreciated.
When my friend shared with me her experiences of feeding the homeless, I asked her if she felt discouraged. She said something truly inspiring. She said, “No.  I’m not discouraged because I know that God appreciates it.”
“The unfortunate need people who will be kind to them; the prosperous need people to be kind to.” Aristotle
Author: Rhonda Gutierrez
Wonderful note, Rhonda. It sometimes does make you wonder why bother and give your 100% to helping others and caring for them and their families more than they do. It really blows my mind when I am interviewing someone that is hurting financially, and it is very clear that their employer did not care about them or their families when they laid them off, having an attitude of selfishness and entitlement when you give them a hand up when nobody else is.
I do believe that we must continue to be Christ like and focus on the needs of others and not necessarily on how do their response makes us feel. We need to love on people no matter what
Beautiful article!