|
| Lopez Island | Orcas Island | Visitor's Guide |
            
        
|
|
DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
|
Email this page to a friend Previous
|
|
CHARITY CASE
Have you ever had house guests, and then discovered after they left that you purchased too many groceries? It happens to me frequently, and it recently happened to a friend of mine. She wanted to be a gracious hostess and planned on three squares a day for all of her guests, which included several families. Then she got a surprise. Needing to be at work on the mainland bright and early on Monday morning, and fearing Sunday ferry delays, some of her guests left on Saturday night. Because she had planned meals for another whole day, my friend was not only sad to bid her company adieu, but she found herself stuck with more food than she and her husband could possibly use. In front of the drug store nearly a week later, she asked me if I ate oatmeal. When I said I did, she told me to follow her. As we crossed the intersection and walked toward her parked car, she explained her dilemma and said she had a three pound bag of premium oatmeal that she wanted to give me. I was thrilled. Beside the trunk of her car, as she searched her purse for the key, she said she'd considered making oatmeal cookies, but felt that was a waste of quality oatmeal. Then, looking directly into my eyes, she lovingly said, "But I don't want you to feel like a charity case." I assured my friend that I was thrilled to get the oatmeal and was pleased that she thought of sharing it with me. She was relieved, opened the trunk, and handed me the three pound bag. The next morning, as I ate a bowl of steaming oatmeal with sliced peaches on top, my heart was warmed as well as my stomach. If this is how it feels to be a "charity case," I'm happy to be one.
© 2003 David Bentley David Bentley, M.Ed. & Personal Coach, coaches clients through the game of life, helping them find balance, clarity of direction, and purpose in an ever-changing world. You may contact him at 360.378.8436 by e-mail at david@coachbentley.com or visit his Web site: www.coachbentley.com |
|
|
SAN JUAN ISLANDER © 2010 About Us | Advertising Info | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
|
|
