Give A Little

The time seemed right to write something about “giving”. After-all, we are entering the autumn season, also known as the time of Harvest. The Earth and our animal cousins give/become food for us, in preparation for the Winter. Not to forget that here in North America during this time, some people celebrate what is called: Thanksgiving.

Initially though, I started thinking about writing on this subject when I kept seeing images of masses of refugees from the Middle East crossing into Europe. And it is noteworthy to make the distinction that most of these people are indeed refugees and not migrants, as some news organizations refer to them. They did not leave their homes because they are trying to find some fun in Europe, or that they got bored of sitting at home, or that they want a better job. No. These people are fleeing from NATO bombs (our bombs) and the insanity of militant extremists operating in the Middle East, who often cut heads and are involved in human trafficking (amongst many other atrocities). So, it does not take much to understand that people, who left all their belongings behind and started running for their lives, need help. They need our help.

Yet, the people troubled by wars are not the only ones in need. Not long ago I was watching a documentary about farmers in North America. From Texas to Manitoba, farmers are facing great difficulties: scaling down operations, selling cattle and some even talking about a change in business. Draughts across the continent have resulted in not enough food for cattle, or a drying-up of crops. Meanwhile, other farmers have had their crops devastated by floods, hail and the like. Everyone is being affected by the change in the climate.

With disruptions in our growing of food, we see prices go up. Yet, people’s incomes are not going higher. Thus, we have hungry people. Hungry kids go to school every day, or not go to school. This is not an exception. For many people this is the norm.

In other cases, floods have displaced tens of thousands in Japan this week, while in the West (here in North America) wild fires are burning through homes and communities. There really is no hiding and if I am to predict the future, I can say that we will have even more severe weather patterns. With all this in mind, I must say that we do have choices.

My father told me once of the saying: “Necessity is the best teacher”. So, in these times of need we can learn many good lessons, such as: the need for compassion, co-operation, unity, etc. Rainbows do come after Storms. As long as we are resilient and we can adapt to the changes happening, we will be alright. “Adapt, or join the dinosaurs.” That is my saying and I think it is something to keep in mind.

Now, I need to mention that when I say “give a little”, I do not necessarily mean money. Money is good too if You can give it but often just a little of your time can be enough: a little time to listen to someone, or to give some advice, to help-out, share some knowledge and such. Or maybe just giving a smile – that can brighten someone’s day as well: a sign that someone cares, that someone sees.

Thank You to those who read these words and all the best to everyone!