“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi
The past week or so, I have been aware, as I am each year at this time, of the ample bounty of our good earth. People have been bringing vegetables from their garden to share with me. Blueberries and peaches are aplenty from Michigan. There is more produce around right now than at most times.
So much goodness. And yet, I wonder how many people go without? This time of the year reminds me that, while one person may be feasting on plenty, there are many others who are wondering where they will be able to secure their next meal.
Gandhi was keenly aware of need and of greed. He knew hunger and what it did to people. He also knew how there were those of more than sufficient means who would not share with others. They hoarded all that they had while they grasped for more.
I pity the truly greedy person. If someone is controlled by greed, that person is truly impoverished. Why? Because, no matter what the greedy person gets, it will never be enough. The greedy person’s eyes will always be on what has not yet been attained and that person will never be able to enjoy what has already been gained.
God has blessed us. The earth has produced a rich harvest. Yet, that harvest will not be shared equitably. There will be some who will throw away much of the harvest because it will go bad before they could consume it all. There will be many others who long for just a morsel of the harvest so that they could have some nourishment.
People are physically hungry, emotionally hungry, and spiritually hungry. If we are among those who have more than enough, it is incumbent upon us to make sure that others get what they need. Let us not operate out of greed. Let us be satisfied with what we have while, at the same time, eager to share our blessings with others.
FAITH ACTION: What do you have that you can share with others today? Are you willing to do so?