Hi everyone. This week’s “Here’s What’s Up” is arriving later than usual because I’ve been under the weather. I’ve felt unusually weak and sleepy for a few days and, to top it off, I managed to sprain my neck. I spent most of the time lying down and trying to rest. Now that I’m beginning to feel a bit better, I wanted to share a short story with you — and please leave a comment. I notice some of you read and disappear; this month is about moving forward, so take a moment to march forward by leaving a note. Now, let me tell you about an odd encounter I had.
I sometimes visit a local food shelf where people can pick up free groceries. On my last visit I saw a woman with a medium-sized black travel bag — a proper travel bag — and she was stuffing it full of items. Usually people use a plastic bag or two and take bread, fruit, vegetables, or anything available for themselves and their families.
I reached into a box to get some oranges when the woman moved in beside me and began grabbing as many as she could. Her head was wrapped in something like a scarf. As she continued her frantic collecting, a food shelf worker approached and asked her to stop, saying she’d already taken enough. The woman ignored the request.
The worker, staying calm, repeated, “That’s enough, please leave. You have to share; leave some for others.”
Eventually the woman gave in and pulled her travel bag along with two plastic bags and started to leave. The worker then told me she sees this same woman return nearly every day with that suitcase, loading it with more food than seems necessary. They don’t know what she does with it since she appears to live alone, but she consistently takes large amounts from the shelf.
To my surprise, the woman returned shortly after to try and take even more, grabbing items as if those boxes held some urgent solution. The staff asked her to stop again, and she left once more.
When I stepped outside with my bag of groceries, our eyes met and she gave me a big, wide smile. I wasn’t sure whether to smile back or keep walking. It’s strange how some people can be so bold while others quietly go about their business.
On a lighter note, if you haven’t seen it yet, I posted a new video showing how to make delicious fried rice. It’s a fun, easy recipe I think you’ll enjoy.
At church this week we focused on trusting God with our finances, and that message has stayed with me. The week is already halfway through, but I’m optimistic about the days ahead and looking forward to a great rest of the week.
A belated happy Women’s Day to all the wonderful women who visit this blog. Never underestimate the power of your strength and resilience.
Stay kind, take care of yourselves, and I’ll see you in the next post.