As this is the fifth day of Inktober, I was leafing through the quote book I am utilizing and found these words:
The welfare of each is bound up in the welfare of all.
I was reminded of the phrase ‘the welfare of all’ when we picked up a few used wooden pallets today. I found them online and made the appointment to meet the gentleman. My husband and I arrived at the address which was his storage locker. We shook his hand, then loaded the pallets into our truck. The man’s name was Stephen, and it was obvious he was living rough. His clothes were torn, he had on shoes with holes, no socks, many of his teeth were missing and his hands were covered in dirt. He was friendly and cordial, and appreciated our business. As we drove away we commented on how we have no idea how people live. Not really. No matter what we think, or how we feel, we are clueless about the reality many people are living out each day. We were glad to give him our business and hoped the money we paid allowed him to have a better day.
Our ability to live out kindness and generosity with others has a foundation in being able to care about the welfare of others. None of us can change the entire world, we can however have an impact on the lives of people who cross our path. We can change this world one life at a time. That life may be our own, it may be the life of a friend or neighbor, or it may be the life of a man selling used wooden pallets. NEVER take your blessings for granted OR ever let the opportunity to treat people with dignity and kindness – no matter how they look – pass you by. If the welfare of your own life matters to you, then exhibit that same passion when dealing with the welfare of those who cross your path, even if for a few minutes. Because it is true, the welfare of each of us is bound up in the welfare of all.
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