I was out shopping this morning at Wal Mart. A young mother was there with her 3 children and an older lady who I think was her mother. They were buying school supplies. The children wanted everything.....their mother obviously couldn't afford all the children wanted. I watched as she tried hard to make wise choices all the while trying to be fair to each child. I though her burdens were heavy and wanted so much to help lighten them.....but how? Many people are proud and do not want charity, even though in my heart it wasn't about charity it was about helping someone in need. When one of the children began to cry because she couldn't get something she wanted the older woman knelt down on the aisle and held her all the while explaining to her how lucky she was to have new sneakers and pencils....she tried to show the little girl that she had so much to be thankful for and to remember what she had and not what she didn't have. The little girl did stop crying but I'm not sure she was able to understand what her grandmother had just told her.
My heart ached for this small family and their needs but my heart was also filled with hope. This family were together, trying to help each other with their love and wisdom and providing for each other's needs as best they could.
As I was placing my packages in my car I watched this family climb into their vehicle and I saw that same little girl give her little brother a piece of her candy, she was sharing what she loved with someone she loved. I think she may have learned the important message from her grandmother already.
Driving home I wondered how many other families were going through this expensive back to school season and I silently said a prayer that all would find a way to have their needs met. I prayed they all would have caring mothers and loving grandmothers to encourage them and show them what is really important in life.....Family!
It was a beautiful day here in Alberta, sunny and very warm with a crispness in the air. As I was sweeping my deck I was thinking about what I had witnessed this morning and I realized, "life isn't fair but it's still good"
May you all see the goodness in your lives today, and appreciate all that you have and know the difference between wants and needs.
Good Night my Friends.......God Bless......and many, many hugs.......:-)
48 comments:
It saddened me to read of all this. Some people have been blessed with so much that they don't know what to do with their wealth,while some don't even have enough to make it through the day. Life really isn't fair. It's said that we choose the life we do, because we have lessons to learn. I hope God reaches out to every such family in need and eases their burden!
Hi Tranquility, I felt the same as you and it was on my mind most of the day, but the more I thought about it the more I realized that even though life isn't fair it is still a good life as these children, their mom and grandmother clearly loved each other, there is nothing better than that. (that enabled me to see the good) I too pray that God eases the burdens all families have to endure and especially for those who don't have families. So many lessons to learn my friend.
Luv you......:-) Hugs
This is a very good post Bernie, as long as they are a family, things will work out, I too pray that God eases their burden. So many of the teachers provide for some of the children, they take it upon themselves to have extras for such like instances. I think I saw this on Extreme Makeover, They're are special angels all around us. we just need to see the good!. Take care, I like all you cool gadgets. c
Well, your wish has been expanded my way, as I am making some major changes based on want and need right now...
I have seen those families, and quite the opposite of you, are the reason I avoid Wal Marts, Targets and the like.
The sentiment clear though, family, friends and love of what we DO have is so much more important than anything else. Nighty-night.
You know you're right...It's just that in my being I WANT everything to be fair. I want us to be equal. It won't ever really happen until we are all united with the Father, but it is good to try! Thank you for your special post today! Cathy
Very nice, Bernie! And I agree with every word.
Ray and I have always said that, about the unfairness in life. It just seems that so many people get their unfair share of emotional or physical or financial problems (or ALL of those), and you just wonder how they cope with it all.
But we both agree with what you said, that while life can be unfair, it can still be good.
Really nice post, Bernie.
Love,
Eileen
It is so hard to know when to try to help people when you don't know what their reaction will be, but I have been blessed recently to see someone pay for someone else's purchases in a graocery store when their debit card wouldn't work. It wasn't a large amount, maybe fiften or twenty dollars, but it was so wonderful as I don't really think the person with the card had enough money in his account.
Sometimes I have wished that I could be a put pocket like those guys in England from my post the other day and sneak money into people's pockets.
Meanwhile I pray and ask God's guidance when there is an opportunity to help someone in some way.
blessings and hugs,
marcy
Good morning Bernie...
It is so true about wanting to help when you see a situation like that...but true, some may be very offended by such actions. Here, certain churches have field days, they advertise and anyone can attend...afterwards the children receive backpacks of school supplies!
On a lighter note...Guess what I'm drinking this morning Bernie. G/daughter 16 yr. old Katie... surprised me yesterday with a bag of "Tim Horton Coffee"! Seems there is a Tim Horton Restaurant, that I was unaware of, up by where she is attending school this year, taking pre nursing courses toward college.
Seems there are only two in this part of the state! The coffee is very good and am pleased with it, but more pleased that she knew it would please me! She even made me close my eyes for the gift!
It made me think of you and Teresa and your "Tim Horton"- which I had never heard of before!
Enjoy your day Bernie!
Wanda
This is a very poignant piece, Bernie. Good stuff.
Good Morning Diana!
What a story you've told here...
Teachers should really trim their lists these days!
I remember buying things for my kids that were never used during the year... They were on the list, we bought them... and they came home in June unused. (It wasn't because they didn't do their work... my kids were good students...) Having had this experience more times than I can tell... I'm very careful to keep the list simple for my middle school students. Binder, pens, pencils, paper...That's enough!
God bless the parents who are preparing their children for the new school year.
The kindness and caring of that little girl and her family is the BEST school 'supply' ever!
Grace always, Maria
HI BERNIE-
Beautiful story you shared. I so love the kindness of your heart.
And as you know, I, like you, am so filled with gratitude - I know I am blessed and it is quite humbling. Thank you for this story of hope -
Love Gail
peace.....
Hi Cinner, yes I do believe the moral of my story was that beyond any pain or worry it is always better with a family who holds you, and knowing the difference between need and wants. That was a lesson I had learned many, many years ago.
Have a great day.....:-) Hugs
Hi Kay, there was a time I use to boycott Wal Mart for it's unfair practice with it's employee's but strange as it seems I was there to buy school supplies to donate to our local school for those in need, the bottom line is that the supplies were cheaper there. Lessons learned for sure, and the obvious needs over wants.
Have a great day sweetie.....Hugs
Hi Cathy, I too want everyone to be equal, everything to be fair but until everyone stops looking out for "number one" I'm afraid we won't see it.....in this life anyway.......:-) Hugs
Hi Eileen, isn't it true though and most of the time it seems the nicest people are the ones who have really been dumped on.....these are the people I admire and respect the most. They hold their head up and keep moving forward, I love that attitude.
Have a great day my friend...Hugs
Oh Marcy, I watched that same program about those former pick pockets who now put money back into people's pockets, I think it's wonderful.
I was there to buy school supplies for our local school for those in need, maybe, just maybe my school supply donation will reach those kids. If not they will help others.....I've also driven through the drive through at Tim Horton's and the car ahead of me has paid for my coffee, little things make the biggest difference, that is why I feel life is good, it's the little things that matter and I loved seeing that family's love for each other.....have a great day my friend.......:-) Hugs
Good Morning Wanda, great idea from the churches in your area, we also take a food donation to each Mass and this past Sunday we all donated a school supply, I think most people help as much as they can, I don't like greedy people in fact I don't even like the word greed.
Enjoy your coffee, how nice of Katie to think of you. No matter how I try I can't get my perked Tim's coffee to taste like their drive through. I think it's because their pots become full of the flavor with so much use.
Have a great day my friend, enjoy your Fall like weather......Hugs
AC, thank you.....my heart aches for these mom's who try so hard for their children...hope you and cuppa have a wonderful day...Hugs
Good Morning Maria, I had to smile when you mentioned my friend Diana's name, you must of just left her site, I have done that before as well.....I hope all do as you do and try to keep the list to a minimum, it must be very hard for parents with larger families. Have a great day Maria.....:-) Hugs
Hi Gail, hope to me is right up there with love....seeing how that family loved each other gave me such hope.....have a wonderful day my friend......:-) Hugs
Good Morning Bernie,
Going back to school season has always been difficult for us! Funny though, this year, High School year, Katie needed the least supplies of any other in the past! Boy were we relieved! Her big sister generously helped with the clothes! But at least Katie is at an age that she understands how things are. It's much harder when they are little. Hard times make stronger people I believe!
Love Di
Good Morning Diana, I agree hard times makes us stronger, many a desk and even a TV have come from the landfill in my lifetime. And I appreciated them even more!
So glad Katie's expenses were not as high this year, strange eh that it cost more when they were younger and I am glad she understands and accepts the family's financial position...you know the more I get to know Katie, the more I love her.
Did you call the doctor about your knee? I thought of you yesterday as I am doing some Fall cleaning and my back, hands and legs were reminding me I have arthritis.... Have a great day my friend....Hugs
Good morning, Bernie
A post that touched my heart!
Yes, family is what is most important and I hope & pray this family will be ok and also all those other families that are having hard times!
Enjoy your day & take good care!
You are a very kind soul!
Margie:)
I love the picture of the grandmother getting down to talk to the little girl and helping her accept her disapointment. As grandmothers and mothers, we want to fulfull our grandkids and kids needs and wants. Yet, our heavenly Father, responds to us in the same way--gently. It just isn't good for us to have everything that we want and we don't need everything that we think we need. Lessons like this, though painful, will help the little girl become a better and more mature, responsible adult. That little family has already blessed those of us reading your blog because of your post. I pray that God will bless them and that they will find joy in Him. Thank you.
Good Morning Margie, I too pray for all the families in need that they will have every need met.
You too are a beautiful soul.
Have a wonderful day....:-) Hugs
i will ride along this week with this "Life isn't fair but it's still good" quote.
sending you hugss, bernie!
~Silver
Hi Brenda, I so agree with mothers and grandmothers wanting so much for their children, we all do feel this way. I hope yesterday's experience helps to build that beautiful little girl into a happy and productive woman. I am so glad you understood what I was saying, I so dislike seeing anyone going without or in pain. Thank you for your kind words......:-) Hugs
Siver, I love every hug you send my way....and Silver it is so true as I feel "Life isn't Fair but it's Still very, very Good. Have a wonderful day my friend....:-) Hugs
Hi Bernie, What a moving post you've given us on a subject near to my heart. I was once that little girl, and I can tell you that with the strong maternal guidance of her Mother and Grandmother, the child will begin to understand that she must remember what she has and not what she doesn't have." She will have more than material possessions to guide her through life. In my case, many special teachers and kind mentors also encouraged me. Now, I spend time repaying with gratitude the help I once received.
Barb, just knowing that little girl could someday grow up to be as wonderful as you makes me feel great. It broke my heart for a while but I know these things are happening all over the world.
We were poor too growing up but I didn't know it until someone told me.....I guess I have always lived in the moment. Have a great day my friend.....:-) Hugs
Hi Bernie,
I used to carry $100.00 cash with me all the time, and when I saw situations like this and I felt a prompting to help, I would offer. This has been my own little ministry. Some people would turn down the help but more often than not eyes would light up and they would accept. Lately for me it seems I am on the recieving end of things, and I find it most difficult. It sure is in my opinion "More Blessed to Give than to Recieve"...In the last while, I have learned to trust God, and I have had so many special little blessings, like people buying my coffee, and dinner and my every need is met. I believe there is a reason for everything, and that God works in mysterious ways. Perhaps he is working on the hearts of each and everyone in that little family. May they be blessed, not only with financial rewards, but with wisdom and kindness, and love for one another.
((((HUGS)))) T
Hi Bernie,
I go a week from Wednesday at 3:00. They will have to x-ray again because I haven't been there in over a year. I've had the shots in my hands but not the knee even though he offered before. I was scared I guess but I can't walk without pain anymore so I guess I will go and bite the bullet!
Love Di
Hi Terri, it's wonderful you were able to help those people financially, I'm afraid my budget doesn't allow me to carry $100 bills with me. I was there to buy school supplies to donate here in Morinville for under privledged families, it is the best I can do.
So happy for you that all is working out for you Terri, you deserve this time, and it will only get better.
Have a great day my friend...Hugs
Hi Diana, so glad you are seeing the doctor next Wednesday, okay I found the shots in my hands were more painful than anywhere else I've had them, so it you could handle those shots I know you will do just fine with shots in your knees. This arthritis is a real bummer and sometimes I get discouraged when I am unable to do something that needs to be done but then I try and focus on what I can do and that makes me feel better. Good Luck sweetie, I will be praying for you.....:-) Hugs
Well actually the $100.00 was God's money, not mine. I used to tithe 10% of everything I recieved, however, after awhile, I chose to, or forgot to do it. I feel strongly that this is something the Lord wants me to do, and really it is not about money, but more about my heart. This is my thing, and I was in no way, thinking you should do the same, if it is not in your budget.
((((Hugs)))) T AKA 555
Hi Terri, I understood what you meant my friend and thought it a wonderful thing that you did. I do tithe every Sunday, it's something I have always done as my parents before me....I enjoy it!.....Hugs
Bernie, you are very very kind. May you be blessed mightily for you kind heart. Life certainly is not fair - but it is mostly good and there are a lot of good people like you still around. I too feel very sad for people who are stretched to the limit financially.
I was thrilled to see you have won Post of the Day on David's Blog at Authorblog. Many congratulations.
Oh and I have not posted the CD yet because I have to copy some more songs first - all in progress ~ Eddie x
Lovely post, and worthy of your POTD mention as it shows just what is important in life.
What a kind and caring heart you have. It was so sweet to read this post and to hear your point of view as you witnessed some distress in a family while they actually pulled together and learned a valuable lesson of not getting everything their eyes can see.
Hello Bernie...came here by way of authorblog and your mention in his post of the day. What a lovely place you have here. I sure enjoyed reading your thoughts here.
I too, see mothers and their children out buying their school supplies and I think it's in our human nature to want everything. There are so many supplies to choose from and of course manufactures make things for kids to want even though it's not actually needed. It's not as simple as picking out some pencils and notebooks when notebooks come with all the colors and pictures on them and of course these always cost more then the plain ones.
Seeing these mothers and reading your post about this family, reminds me of me with my children not so long ago, doing the same thing in Walmart or Target. We did not have a lot of extra money and so buying fancy notebooks or pens or a new back pack each year was not in the budget. If they wanted to buy something that was above and beyond they had to pay for it themselves. Yes, there were times of tears and disappointment but they got over it. But more importantly they learned valuable lessons in not getting everything they wanted, when they wanted.
Your thoughts about family and the value of having each other is so true. Priceless.
I think it is generous of you to want to reach out and help those that are in need. That says a lot about your heart. Bless you. I'm glad that I stopped by today!
Just this morning I was continuing my quest to craft the perfect justification for the mac daddy set of All Clad cookware I've been wanting, thinking that maybe if I just bought a few pieces at a time, it wouldn't be such an assault on the old wallet.
Then I read your post.
And I feel pretty ashamed of myself, because I too am lucky to have new sneakers and pencils and don't need one more damn pot in the house!
You are so right... life isn't always fair, but it is always good - one way or another. Thank you for the reminder. Thank you for the lesson. Thank you for the lovely insightful post. And congratulations for your POTD mention from David McMahon. It is well deserved.
Such very wise words. We do have to enjoy what we have for we know, that somewhere, there is someone less well off.
I would imagine that little family will be overwhelmed by love in their home and one day they will see fortune more than they could ever have dreamed.
CJ xx
Hi Eddie, thank you for your kind words, I am off to send you an e-mail okay. Have a great day my friend.....:-) Hugs
Moannie, thank you and thank you for visiting....please come back soon......-) Hugs
Technobabe, thank you for stopping by, come back to visit anytime, and thank you for your kind words.
.......:-) Hugs
smiles4u, thank you for your kind words, and please stop by anytime.
Have a great day.....:-) Hugs
Hi Alix, thank you for your kind words....now if you have the finances for new pots I absolutely think you should have them. It is great to help others and I try to as much as I can, I am very thankful for my many blessings.
Stop by again Alix.....:-) Hugs
Crystal Jigsaw, so true. We think we have problems until we see what others are going through and our problems seem very small. Have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by, please come back.
........:-) Hugs
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