For mysterious and unknown reasons, I've got "Christmas is Coming" in my head today. Do you know that one? It's old as the hills and often sung in a round...
Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man's hat
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do
If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God bless you!
And as irritating as it is to get a song stuck in your head, the message of this one is pretty darn good. The fact of the matter is that every little bit helps when you're reaching out to those in need, but sometimes it's hard to remember that. The sum total of human suffering in the world is a pretty overwhelming thing. Heck, the sum total of human suffering in East Liberty can be a pretty overwhelming thing.
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your donation won't make a difference. What is $25 or $10 in the face of widespread hunger and homelessness?
The answer? A Lot. Those little gifts add up to big gifts, and even when they're small they make a difference. $25 will provide home-delivered meals to an elderly person for a week. $10 provides breakfast for ten men at the homeless shelter. It makes a difference.
One of our clients in the Safe Haven program appears every now and again in our fiscal office with a small cash donation. Often, it's a couple crumbled dollar bills and some change. They are tiny gifts offered with great love, and it brings a smile to my face every time I record them.
Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat
Please put a penny in the old man's hat
If you haven't got a penny, a ha'penny will do
If you haven't got a ha'penny, then God bless you!
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