A Handful of Blessings.

“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” ~ Charles Dickens

I had just returned home from shopping yesterday, when a familiar voice rang out through the darkness.

“Tara,” he shouted. “It’s me, your neighbor, Jude.”

Jude has been such a kind friend through the years – always, knowing “just the right thing to do” without ever having to be asked. In my darkest hours, his smile has been a source of comfort, and of promise – a reminder that hope exists even within the shadows.

I hadn’t seen him for quite a long while, and was curious to know why on earth he was walking home at such late hour.

“I had to get rid of a few things to help make ends meet,” he said. Among them was his only means of transportation.

In that moment, I realized I was standing before a man who would literally walk miles to feed his family – and in my hands, 3 satchels of groceries.

My goodness, there’s nothing like a little irony to help drive a point solidly home. My darlings, remember how we talked yesterday of the power of action? That we might allow action to serve as a conduit for compassion?

These words have never resonated with me more.

I remember when I was much younger, my mother was pulling together a box of my older belongings – slightly worn clothes, and a few of my most favorite toys. Oh, how I cried at the thought of ‘losing’ these possessions. And when I asked, my mother said simply, “Because, someone else needs it more.” It was a hard lesson to learn, though – in fairness, I was just 7 years-old and not quite ready to understand the ways of this world.

The Buddha taught that when we give to others, it is without expectation of reward. To give without clinging to either the gift or to the recipient. Theravadin monk and scholar Bhikkhu Bodhi once said,

“The practice of giving is universally recognized as one of the most basic human virtues, a quality that testifies to the depth of one’s humanity.”

My darlings, to give, we must give without condition – to offer to others that which may be dearest to our heart.

Why? Because, someone else needs it more.

I’d like to honor the sentiment of my dear mother, today ~ and, offer in kindness that which has been so graciously shared to me. If we might take one step to alleviate the burden of another – my darlings, what a wonderful world this might be.

And so, on this day ~ I would like to offer this kind man the benefit of my ‘coffee fund.’ Though, first to ask permission of you, my dears ~ as, it is through your generosity that this site has been able to continue. And, perhaps to ask if you’ve a few extra coins in your pocket – that they might be shared with a dear man named, Jude.

For those who would like to make a donation today, all proceeds will be used to help a family in need.

Here is the link- >

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=G5CNL8HAFVDWE

Or, alternately through here ->


Namaste, my loves ~ how wonderful it is that we needn’t wait a single moment before starting to improve this world.

Wishing hope, love and peace filled blessings to all.

About

Tara Lemieux is a mindful wanderer, and faithful stargazer. Although she often appears to be listening with great care, rest assured she is most certainly‘forever lost in thought. She is an ardent explorer and lover of finding things previously undiscovered or at the very least mostly not-uncovered.

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