The Ant and the Dove
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AN ANT went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and being carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point of drowning. A Dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water plucked
a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her. The Ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank. Shortly afterwards a birdcatcher came and stood under the tree, and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches. The Ant, perceiving his design, stung him in the foot. In pain the birdcatcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove
take wing.
One good turn deserves another.
As those of you who read The Sunday Stew are aware, I'm in need. My car is a 2006 Hyundai Elantra, and it's been pretty good to me over the years. I've done my best to return the favor. Unfortunately, she broke down on me a few months ago, and I've not had the cash-flow to bring her up to speed. I hate the idea of doing a fundraiser, as I know everyone's getting bombarded with those lately. So, I brought up the idea of raffling off some of my wares to my close friends/family. My sister suggested that she and others sweeten the pot a little, and we ended up with $500 worth of prize to raffle off. I was deeply touched by their willingness to help me, even though I know this is a sacrifice for all of them. They are small business owners themselves. Not one of them hesitated when they saw I had a need.
Community means a lot to me. I don't have genetic relatives with whom I am close (children aside). Chosen family is much more important to someone like me. I'm sure there are plenty of you who feel the same way. To know that I can count on my friends to help me, and for them to know that I would reciprocate immediately whenever they need me is a priceless gift, and I never want to take that for granted.
I'm the kind of person who has a difficult time asking for help. I've always been very independent, and am usually the one who does the giving, the helping, etc... it's humbling to be in a position of needing help. I am the "fix-it" girl.. not the one who needs help fixing. I know in my head that this is a good thing. I know that there's no shame in it, but society's conditioning combined with my background make it hard for me to feel like that in my heart. I know the Universe is teaching me a lesson here. I hope I can learn it well and pass it along from a different perspective than I have in the past.
If this raffle idea works out, I'm hoping to pay it forward by getting other small business owners to donate wares for others in need as well. I think it would be great to have a network of Pagans who want to help our own community, particularly in these financially difficult times. Regardless of its success, I am filled with love and gratitude for you all.
a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her. The Ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank. Shortly afterwards a birdcatcher came and stood under the tree, and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches. The Ant, perceiving his design, stung him in the foot. In pain the birdcatcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove
take wing.
One good turn deserves another.
As those of you who read The Sunday Stew are aware, I'm in need. My car is a 2006 Hyundai Elantra, and it's been pretty good to me over the years. I've done my best to return the favor. Unfortunately, she broke down on me a few months ago, and I've not had the cash-flow to bring her up to speed. I hate the idea of doing a fundraiser, as I know everyone's getting bombarded with those lately. So, I brought up the idea of raffling off some of my wares to my close friends/family. My sister suggested that she and others sweeten the pot a little, and we ended up with $500 worth of prize to raffle off. I was deeply touched by their willingness to help me, even though I know this is a sacrifice for all of them. They are small business owners themselves. Not one of them hesitated when they saw I had a need.
Community means a lot to me. I don't have genetic relatives with whom I am close (children aside). Chosen family is much more important to someone like me. I'm sure there are plenty of you who feel the same way. To know that I can count on my friends to help me, and for them to know that I would reciprocate immediately whenever they need me is a priceless gift, and I never want to take that for granted.
I'm the kind of person who has a difficult time asking for help. I've always been very independent, and am usually the one who does the giving, the helping, etc... it's humbling to be in a position of needing help. I am the "fix-it" girl.. not the one who needs help fixing. I know in my head that this is a good thing. I know that there's no shame in it, but society's conditioning combined with my background make it hard for me to feel like that in my heart. I know the Universe is teaching me a lesson here. I hope I can learn it well and pass it along from a different perspective than I have in the past.
If this raffle idea works out, I'm hoping to pay it forward by getting other small business owners to donate wares for others in need as well. I think it would be great to have a network of Pagans who want to help our own community, particularly in these financially difficult times. Regardless of its success, I am filled with love and gratitude for you all.