It's tradition. It wasn't expected. It just happened from the heart. Growing up in the South taught me much about tradition, truths, pleasure and people. This was no exception.
It happened quite randomly. A neighbor brought something over "just because." It may have been a homemade apple pie and they "just happened' to make an extra one. It may have been "a mess" of green beans they wanted to share from their garden. Maybe it was some homemade bread or butter, as my Mom often made. Whatever a neighbor shared with others continually fed the flame of friendship, helping one another and caring beyond words alone. But the tradition didn't stop there.
Once the recipient of the neighborly gift finished the food, they somehow found a way to "just happen" to have something in the dish when they returned it. Dishes then were not disposable. It was wonderful to simply share with one another. Of course, during times of grief or illness, no one imagined a family or patient would return a full dish. The main idea was simply to look out for one another...share with one another...support one another...take care of one another...respect one another...love one another. The tradition of "never returning an empty dish" was so much more about friendship than food. It was all about community, compassion and caring...and love.
Times have changed. We are so grateful for our dear friends and neighbors who truly care and share life together. But how did that become an exception instead of the norm in a world that has become self-centered and serving, cut-throat-competitive and little, if any, regard for the lives of others? We have seen the hearts of many reach out to others in times of loss, tragedy and pain. Yet my heart breaks when I hear others comment that they "guess there is still good in this world"...as if that is a surprise.
It is time that we make a difference...daily! May change begin with me...and you. May we listen, encourage, share and take care of each other...continually.♥~thl
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12: 10>13
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