I was witness to an event that took place last night that reaffirms my thoughts that it is in the simplest ways that we might be able to solve our most pressing problems in this country.
I have been involved in Theater Arts for over 15 years now. In that time I have shared the stage with plenty of Diva's and Egomaniacs, but also privileged to spend many a memorable evening or Saturday morning with amazing people... last night was no exception.
Since moving to this new town a little over 4 months ago, I go involved in a startup theater group that has just acquired rehearsal space in a previously vacant building, near the actual Theater, but also next to the local liquor store that has a reputation for attracting a rougher bunch, and that some of the towns homeless seem to come to get booze after collecting recyclables throughout the day. So since moving into the space that the homeless use to hang out in front of, we have been able to see some of the destitution of these folks first hand and have had to move a few on even in order to not have issues while doing rehearsals.
Last night we had the usual audience... as we were rehearsing, one particularly "fragrant" man stood in the doorway, he did not try and come in, but just stood in the doorway, blocking passage, and looking at us. He had tattered clothing, few teeth, and looked as if he had not been able to shower in well over a year. Since I was close to the door, I took the sentinel position and walked over to talk to him and ask him to move along. He stated that he just wanted some food, and not knowing about the food that was brought yet, I told him that we did not have anything for him and that he needed to move along. He then pointed over to the table where people were busily getting ready for rehearsal time and prepping for warm-ups, and in a flash I could see what he was looking at. There was a tinfoil pan, and a few people getting plates out and dishing some enchiladas out that one of the cast members brought. This same cast member, looked over, and then grabbed a plate, put on a heaping pile of enchiladas and Spanish rice and then without even a second thought, grabbed a fork and brought the lot over for the man to have. She did not make any fanfare about it, if I had not just a few minutes before told the man to “move along” I would probably had not even seen this act of service.
This touched my heart… You see, this cast member has to work two jobs just to help support her family, and she volunteers with the theater, since it is Community Theater and there is no payroll. I see her working long hours and putting in extra time at her work just to help her bosses in order that their businesses stay afloat in this economy. She has mentioned in the past to me that only a few years ago when the economy began to take a dump, her husband lost his job and they ended up losing their house, and possessions to the bank (one of the same that was bailed out by the Gov.) and have had to basically start life financially over again in their 50's. The food she brought could have easily gone to help lessen the load for feeding her struggling family, but instead she offered it up to the cast freely, and then when seeing this person in need without hesitation piled a huge portion grabbed a fork, napkin, and helped him over to a place that he could sit and enjoy a much needed meal.
I feel that one of the pressing issues with our Country today is a lack of a desire to serve others, versus the attitude of “what do I get out of it”. I see it more and more with Politicians, and people on the street. Gangs are all about “what’s in it for me”. Crime is a factor of the attitude of “what’s in it for me”. I am grateful however to have been privileged to witness this Small Miracle, that reaffirmed my faith that there are people today that can keep this Country great! That are still decent! That have morals and values that are well beyond the “what’s in it for me”! If we all could take this approach to life, we could solve so many of the issues we face today! I know this is probably preachy, overly simplified, and probably way naive in most of your minds… but it is by simple things that great things are accomplished. I for one will do much more for those around me, so there is one… who else will join me?
I will join you. I know I told you to go talk to him. I didn't know the boundaries of the cast and thought in my mind "I should take him some food" I didn't stand up immediately and do so. My heart ached for him. And then our sweet friend takes a heaping plate to him, no questions asked and as I thought about it and looked around I realized that I think every one else in the room would have done the same thing, gotten him a plate of food and taken it to him, no questions asked.
ReplyDeletethanks for being my rock honey and my example when I am weak and I falter.
Hey - morals and value ARE "preachy, overly simplified and probably naive." Those, I believe, were the criticisms of the Pharisees about Jesus. People like me, professional do-gooders, are the least likely to go the extra mile. We see the problems as too big. It is those kind people who have known the hurt who best serve. Look at those at TIM or Tracy Volunteer Careggivers or the hospital volunteers. They are mostly people who know what it is to be sick, lonely or in some sort of need. I can only guess who it was who grabbed the food and gave it. But, in this town there are literally thousands who could have done it. It is a good place. There are likely just as many who would have turned their backs. It is a selfish place. Then there are those of us in the middle who are learning a big leason from those who jump up and serve. Great blog and post - a place to think about things that matter.
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