Just Give Love

I bundled up as I battled the cold wind blowing against me. I was behind about thirty people as we waited for the church doors to open. The radio had announced free Thanksgiving food baskets and here we were, with more people coming behind us. We all looked much the same—cold, but needy. Children huddled against mothers’ legs.

As my turn finally came to walk through the “shopping” area, I was given a paper sack and volunteers placed items inside to make a Thanksgiving meal. There wasn’t much conversation, we just moved down the line towards an older woman serving as the “check out” volunteer. I smiled and thanked her as she tucked a small package of candy inside my bag. Her gray hair peeked out from a bandanna scarf. 


She wore an apron like my grandma wore when she was preparing a big family dinner. Our eyes connected and, in that moment, I felt the depth of my poverty—even though we were trying so hard to make money. My resolve to be strong faltered and a few tears slid down my cheeks.

 

The woman gently patted my hand and said quietly, “It won’t always be this way. Someday you’ll be able to give someone else a meal. Until then, just give love.”

 

She was right. A year later we were in a far better place. But living with less, helped me have greater appreciation for all I did have. And giving love? That’s always needed. 

 

For those who are waiting for better times—keep working and as the older woman advised me, just give love. 




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