Thought for the week (we 20th May 2013)

‘I was amazed as I walked around one of our local supermarkets to see how many offers such as ‘two for the price of one’ and ‘buy one and get another for half price’ were on display.

It’s no wonder that if a recent report is to be believed we actually throw away about a third of what we buy – that’s quite a lot of food; much I suspect put in the trolley on the spur of the moment when such offers seem irresistible.

Some strange flavoured yoghurt I bought lingered in our fridge well past it’s sell by date for that very reason!

The saying ‘waste not want not’ remains sound advice and which can make a real difference. Did I really need those extra items that ended up in the bin? Of course not.

What’s the advantage of something that’s half price if it eventually becomes a mouldy mass in the fridge? Perhaps the money could have been better spent as a gift to those in greatest need within our community especially when we hear of more families dependent on food banks than ever before.

Even giving away those extras we get from those offers can make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. To ignore the needs of others is to deny them even the possibility of a better tomorrow and of never knowing what real joy there is in giving.

This Christian Aid week reminds us of those for whom hunger and homelessness is a constant reality and who live where food is scarce and clean water just a dream. Jesus gave new understanding as to what it means to be a good neighbour when he spoke of going the extra mile and of caring for those beyond our loved ones and friends.

So whether it’s the family up the road who are struggling to make ends meet or communities in some parts of Africa who are crying out for our help – can we really pass by on the other side?