[blockquote source=”Charlie Chaplin”]We think too much and feel too little.[/blockquote]

The other day, a young man posted a message to me. We had been talking over our view of this world, and what it might take to make a much greater change.

You see, I have been thinking quite a lot on this topic, as of late – and working very hard to develop a far reaching plan. I believe this to be our purpose here, to extend our reach and help our fellow man.

I mean, how can it be that on this earth we have so very much, yet barely an ocean away there are those whose pain is so great they can not sleep?

And not to mention what is happening within the borders of our very own nations, where on which every street corner there hangs a sign in hopes to be fed.

How can we not see that which is so very much bigger?

And so he said to me, “a man who has filled his appetite, yet denies food to those in need” is no man.

I’m summarizing, of course – but, I think the point is quite clear. How can we, in this ‘Age of Abundance’ – withhold the basic necessities for human existence?

“I call him religious who understands the suffering of others.” Mahatma Gandhi

Indeed, when one in eight children will go hungry on this day – how can we still stand behind our shields of indifference?

He reminded me of a family custom, born many years ago – and during a time when families still gathered to share their meal. We always held an extra place at our dinner table, a symbolic gesture intended to welcome all those in need.

During one of our most brutal winters, I remember seeing an old man huddled over against a park bench. I had passed this old man a dozen times before, and always – he would smile gently and tip his hat. Never once did he ask for my assistance, and never once a complaint.

“Would you just look at this day?” he would shout, with arms extended fully upwards – as if he wished to hug the sky.

But on a day when these winds were so unforgivably brutal – he barely even noticed I was there.

“Come home with me,” I said. It was Thanksgiving Day, and all of the shops had already closed.

And with head hung low, and no shelter from this storm – still he replied, “I don’t wish to intrude.”

“Nonsense,” I smile…”We’ve already a place…” and I explained to him my family tradition.

In all my years, I have to say one of my happiest moments was knowing that this man left my table with full belly and spirit. Some years later, I received a letter from him. Do you know he traveled all the way to California to reunite with his beautiful children?

Do you know they had been looking for him all of these years?

And, all from one simple meal.

My dears, though this gesture was small – its impact was everlasting.

I remember struggling myself, not so very long ago. With two small children, and barely enough to eat – the power company had just sent notice that they would soon be cutting us off.

No heat…no food….no hope.

I remember pleading with the service representative over the phone, “Please, just a few more days…”

But she was unwilling; and her hands were tied.

I remember covering my face with my hands. I didn’t want anyone to notice that I was crying. Even though I was dirt poor, I still had my pride.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a little plastic card being slid across the table, “Hey, use this..” he offered.

It was the American Express card from a dear man who had been listening to my troubles.

When I asked how I might ever repay him, he said, “Someday, you will be a position to help others. And, when you are – promise never to hesitate.”

Oh, and to this day, my dears – I have carried those words closest to my heart. Never once forgetting, where I once was – and the kindness that gave me a new start.

I suppose that is why I do what I do today – because someone once showed me the power of one simple change.

My dears, how can we have these arms – long enough to reach, yet still struggle to remove them from the safety of our own pocket linings?

Or eyes, that can easily discern the variance in shade between an eggshell and a soft linen white – yet, are still blind to these images of poverty and despair?

Can you not hear their cries rising above the buzzing drone of Dolby sound?

I believe we’ve been gifted this empathy for one single reason – that is, to ensure the fires of compassion are not ever extinguished.

And, that these bonds of humanity are strengthened through our service to others.

Much love, my dears – and on this day, ask yourself, “On this day, how might I be of help to others?”

Kindness matter, my friends – and in its garden, these seeds of compassion will grow.