Got 'em, Got 'em, Need 'em

I just got back from the food bank with a couple of members. I am always amazed at the trading that inevitably follows. It never occurs to me, as someone who gets their food from normal channels that choice is a part of self definition. (See: Freewill, gift of God)

The Food bank in an effort to be democratic and frugal assigns a set amount of food as the portion for a single individual. (What exactly it will be depends on what they get donated that week) The volunteers there gather the appropriate items and parcel them up for those that come to their door. But the process does not end there.

Typically after a few of them have received their food bank items there's a sorting hat session that follows. One who hates rice, trades it for the pasta of another; Fiona doesn't use sugar twin but Carolyn does so she gives it away.

And here is where I get amazed every time. Not only do they NOT horde everything (after all you can only go to the food bank once a month and it's not even the 15th yet) but they willingly give away things they have (and could somehow leverage as a trade item).

In spite of their needs, in spite of their considerable limits, they are generous.

See below: Deut 15: 7-11

When you happen on someone who's in trouble or needs help among your people with whom you live in this land that God, your God, is giving you, don't look the other way pretending you don't see him. Don't keep a tight grip on your purse. No. Look at him, open your purse, lend whatever and as much as he needs. Don't count the cost.

Don't listen to that selfish voice saying, "It's almost the seventh year, the year of All-Debts-Are-Canceled," and turn aside and leave your needy neighbor in the lurch, refusing to help him. He'll call God's attention to you and your blatant sin.

Give freely and spontaneously. Don't have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God's, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.