About half a century ago, when I was a kid, the family stopped downtown to do some shopping. We parked on the street and went into a nearby store, passing an old man who clearly knew a life of poverty. Our shopping soon done, we came back to our car. "I found a nickel!" said my mother, picking it from the sidewalk. In those days, that could actually buy something. "I'll bet this is what that old man was looking for," she said. "If he were still here, I'd give it to him." And she would have.

Thanks to the lessons learned from my father and mother, I have never lacked a job nor known true poverty, though there was once a time when I had no car and only seven cents in my pocket. That little lesson helps me to appreciate the security I enjoy daily and encourages me to share the wealth in tangible ways. Earlier today, when I did our weekly grocery shopping, I added to my cart three bags of beans and rice. These are now hanging on the mail box for the annual food drive. Granted, it's a small contribution, but to the families that enjoy a meal of beans & rice, I hope it will be a blessing that prompts thanksgiving.

Jesus said, "For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them" (Mark 14:7). That is not to excuse our every effort to alleviate poverty, but to remind us that we always have opportunity to do so. This is Mother's Day weekend--make her proud.

Thanks, Mom!

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