The Season of Giving

Winter is upon us.  The snow has already fallen in many parts of the country this year.  If we have a snowy winter it will give me a chance to sit at my desk looking out at the blanket of white that covers the yard.  I should remember to put up a bird house and to purchase their seeds.

My first official winter in New Jersey.  Last year I traveled so much that I hardly spent time here.  I have made a commitment not to travel over this holiday season.  I've had enough movement lately, and I want to bunker in this winter.  Hibernation sounds so good.  I would love to meet the spring refreshed and hungry.  One needs to be hungry to survive.  There are too many people out of work, and so many more everyday.

Like the bird house, and the seeds, I am going to try to help my neighbors feed their little ones this winter.  Children don't understand poverty.  Dad sits at the kitchen table at night, his hands covering his face hoping no one will see him in the dark.  Mom tries to make every meal stretch into the next, while she cries holding the last egg in the carton.  Children feel their parents' pain, and learn to fall asleep hungry and cold.

This season let those of us who can, please give.  Those of us who can not, please ask for help.  There is no shame in asking for help, and no greater love then to offer help to those in need.  Be a neighbor to your neighbor.