I sense that advancing age has confirmed that folk, basically, change
little. Folk seem to be predisposed to be givers or grabbers; and much
of it comes from childhood programming and hereditary traits. I've had
two types of neighbour: one who was always anxious to give gifts; yes,
and food when I was living alone. But now I have a fellow who, failing
to encroach on part of my land has encroached on another's and may be
getting more than he bargained for. Indeed, he's even enlarged his front
so that the telegraph pole is now within his garden! Well, as I see it:
'love your neighbour but hold firm to your boundaries!
Indeed, the vast majority in our Cause, by their priorities, are
givers rather than grabbers. As mentioned elsewhere, I've never asked
for funds, yet I received this very year from a well wisher – a retired
lady from out of the blue! - enough to procure a good quality megaphone
for future demos. Indeed, a kindly fellow gave me almost enough to
procure a brand new photocopier, printer and scanner combined.
In response to the previous Newsletter that casually touched on my
quandary over glaucoma medication, I received a cheque to cover at least
two professional consultations with a herbalist. Indeed, such folk -
without any prompting from myself - have most generously seen an avenue
in which to help, and have sprung forward to do so.
In a similar spirit of true Christian generosity, I know of a lady
who runs her own garden sanctuary for rescued wild life, yet never
appears to ask for funds for herself. You'll find her in North Wales
coastal towns struggling to raise funds for the most prominent animal
charities, which do not do a patch of the work she accomplishes in her
own comparative way.
Well, thank God, I say for the givers. They are the ones with a smile
on their face and a spiritual radiance from their countenance. The
grabbers are not basically happy, though in the eyes of this world they
may appear wealthy and successful. Jesus would have said; "They already
have their reward.” But as for the generous poor; ‘Their treasure may
indeed be reserved for them in Heaven’ but already: "theirs is the
kingdom of God!" Yes, there is profound truth behind the words: ‘It is
more blessed to give than to receive’. Yes, providing we give sensibly
and do not squander thoughtlessly, nor be taken as 'a soft touch' by the
unscrupulous of every shade.
Animal Padre's
