Tis the Season

The season is now upon us during which many give extra attention to the welfare of others. Each December we ritualize the spirit of the "season" through volunteerism, charitable giving, and other gestures of good. It is with kindness we fill each of these 30 or so days on our calendars so that on the other 335 we can "take a break" from it. Backward logic, perhaps, but it seems to work...at least for most of us.

Why this doesn't work for me, however, is the same reason it doesn't work for those who are so in need of our good will: neediness does not schedule itself around the Christian (or any other religion's) calendar. And, in most cases, it is not a "part-time" condition. Whether someone is hungry, or sick, or homeless, or abused, or disabled, or poor, they are often suffering during something other than a short-term timetable. In other words, these and the thousands of other afflictions and predicaments people find themselves with are often long-lasting (and, only rarely, able to be conveniently scheduled into a 30-day stint).

Why do we not put coins and bills into the metal buckets of the Salvation Army in the spring time? Why do we not wrap gifts in July to nestle under evergreen trees for families in need? And why, oh why, do we not sing songs of joy and peace and brotherhood on each and every day of the year?

Don't get me wrong...seasonal giving is vitally important. It does good for millions all over the world each and every year. I just can't help but think what a different place our planet would be if we could carry that spiritual generosity, that pious sympathy, that Christian goodness with us during the other eleven months, when just as many mouths are hungry, when just as many abused are scared, when just as many diseases are making just as many sick, and when just as many lives are critically at stake.

Do something good, big or small, for another...each and every day.