While taking a walk, we saw this hanging from a fence:
In case you can't read it, it says:
The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what we did here.
-Abe Lincoln
As you can see, I took this picture in Autumn. This house sits on Lake Macatawa - highly prized real estate in our town. I was glad to see it, because it challenged my pre-conceived opinions of wealthy people who inhabit this lakeside community.
I'm posting it now, because it's the right time. At Christmas, everyone talks about poor people and those who are less fortunate. We all 'remember' them in our prayers. We just need to do more during all seasons.
Don't get me wrong - I believe in the power of prayer. Prayer has been proven to work - and it doesn't matter what religion you subscribe to. Simple prayer - to anything or anyone - impacts the person for whom you are praying.
But, praying is easy. Working for the poor is not easy. Being a voice for the poor is not easy. It takes time away from those we love and money out of our bank accounts. It makes us acknowledge just how much we have and how little they have. It forces us to admit that those living in poverty are not lazy and were not given the tools we were given to succeed.
I love Christmas, but it bothers me that it's the only time of year that some people acknowledges the need of their brothers and sisters all over this world. Many people say a prayer and think they've done their duty. But, I believe we're all connected and we're one community, no matter how different we all are. And, the need far exceeds prayer.
I'm not perfect at this either (duh! I'm not perfect at anything) but we try to keep things in perspective continually and teach Ella about it. Ella is materially spoiled - being an only child with 7 grandparents, Christmas at our house is like a visit to Toys'R'Us! And, that's why we go to Goodwill or Salvation Army monthly to donate what we can.
Thanks Abe, for your wisdom and this very important reminder.
The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what we did here.
-Abe Lincoln
As you can see, I took this picture in Autumn. This house sits on Lake Macatawa - highly prized real estate in our town. I was glad to see it, because it challenged my pre-conceived opinions of wealthy people who inhabit this lakeside community.
I'm posting it now, because it's the right time. At Christmas, everyone talks about poor people and those who are less fortunate. We all 'remember' them in our prayers. We just need to do more during all seasons.
Don't get me wrong - I believe in the power of prayer. Prayer has been proven to work - and it doesn't matter what religion you subscribe to. Simple prayer - to anything or anyone - impacts the person for whom you are praying.
But, praying is easy. Working for the poor is not easy. Being a voice for the poor is not easy. It takes time away from those we love and money out of our bank accounts. It makes us acknowledge just how much we have and how little they have. It forces us to admit that those living in poverty are not lazy and were not given the tools we were given to succeed.
I love Christmas, but it bothers me that it's the only time of year that some people acknowledges the need of their brothers and sisters all over this world. Many people say a prayer and think they've done their duty. But, I believe we're all connected and we're one community, no matter how different we all are. And, the need far exceeds prayer.
I'm not perfect at this either (duh! I'm not perfect at anything) but we try to keep things in perspective continually and teach Ella about it. Ella is materially spoiled - being an only child with 7 grandparents, Christmas at our house is like a visit to Toys'R'Us! And, that's why we go to Goodwill or Salvation Army monthly to donate what we can.
Thanks Abe, for your wisdom and this very important reminder.
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