Giving It Away: 40 Years Later

 

Today I donated and gifted my US Air Force issued duffle bag. I have owned it since November 1981, and it has sat neatly folded in numerous rooms of several of my homes. I offered it to family, but to be honest, no one wanted it and I certainly understand that. Yet, when I brought it and freely donated it to the thrift store where folks can buy and donate myriad items a grateful receiver encountered me. The gentleman said he would like to keep it for himself and then asked me, gently, “Did you serve?” I said, yes. He thanked me for my service, but he then asked me my name and if it was mine. I said, yes, again, with a tear or two welling up in my eyes. I was very touched that he was grateful to receive it. It has my name stenciled in white and I showed him where my name is stenciled. Several thoughts have entered my mind since this morning, and I want to share how this event has touched me.

First, it was amazing to encounter someone so grateful. Even more so, I was thankful that someone could use it. It is in good condition, and it has weathered the years well. He asked about the metal hooks and clip that are used to close the bag once it is full. Another man and I showed him how it works. Duffle bags were new to him. Most importantly, it just felt good to know that the old duffle bag still had life and it could be used. Most importantly, I did not want it to rot away on a shelf in my house. I am grateful that he can use it. Yay.

Second, I am going to give away “everything” one day. I do not have a death wish but I do know that we cannot take anything with us to heaven. So, this was a good lesson on “giving things away” for me. I feel blessed to have the memories of the old duffle bag while he has received something that he feels he can use.

Third, less is more. My son in law, Cooper, recently told me and complimented me on my home. He said, “Your place looks like a Google webpage.” That is high praise from good son in law, for sure. He said that my place looked very uncluttered, crisp and spacious, I think. I appreciated his heartfelt words. All this to say, less is more. Less clutter means crisper looking place, and I cannot keep things forever. Everything must go, as the super-duper salesperson shares on big sale days. All my stuff will be given away one day. I had the blessing of giving and receiving today. More is less and encountering a grateful receiver is a blessing beyond words and measure.

Corona Chronicles Part IX: Survivors: Two-Years Later

 Part IX is dedicated to all of the health care workers, first responders, and mental health care givers who have worked on the front lines and behind the lines these past 2 years. I want to acknowledge the 2-year mark and anniversary of the COVID-19 health emergency (March 13, 2020) and all who have endured this most difficult and challenging time. I mark this time and 2 year anniversary because it has a way of helping remember how far I have come and how far you have come in two years. I know that almost everyone has been touched by COVID-19 and almost everyone knows someone who died from it. We remember them too.

So, let us remember and reflect on these two years. I know that time and distance can help me and you to see more clearly at times. So, we may need time, looking back one day, to see where we have been. Even so, I look back and feel a sense of appropriate satisfaction that I have helped and continue to help those who are ill and those who are suffering with the physical, emotional, and spiritual illness and distress. Thank you, too, for your hard work and your dedication. May you be able to just stop a minute and give thanks for your life and the honor of helping at a critical juncture in our nation's history. We are survivors. You are surviving and so am I. We will go forward, albeit tired and worn out, yet knowing that a better day may hopefully arrive. That's my hope for you and me.

Now, may the God of love, truth, justice and mercy bless you and keep you. May a double portion of love be returned to you as you give your best to help the most vulnerable. May the LORD bless your children and grandchildren. May peace be with you and across the globe. Where there is hate, may sensibilities and goodness win the day. May evil be blotted out and may children and the aged have their needs met and may we give boldly, and even receive boldly, all that comes our way. Finally, may our faith grow as we suffer and sacrifice and may we be as good to ourselves as we are good to all those we know and help. Amen.