Sometimes the Universe answers prayers in very unexpected, but pointed, grace filled ways. A few months ago I attended a round table discussion about poverty reduction in our city. It was an interesting afternoon as professionals from all areas came together to begin to talk about the issues and priorities for this new municipal initiative. It was inspiring as we heard about how poverty had been addressed in communities across Canada. With some creative thinking poverty is being reduced. Despite the enormity of the issue, change is possible. I left wanting to part of that change, to offer my time and talent to make a difference in people's lives. "Please", I prayed, "show me how to be part of the change that is needed."
Over the next few weeks, I kept repeating the request to be an agent of change. But work began to pile up as it does so often and I forgot my prayer. One week in particular was filled to overflowing with meetings, deadlines, and appointments. I wasn't quite sure how all of it was going to get done until on Tuesday afternoon I realised I had a gap of unscheduled time on Wednesday. "Great," I thought to myself. "I can work at home in my pj's and get the laundry done at the same time. No one will interrupt me and I can get all my writing done." The plan sounded even better when the weather forecast predicted snow for Wednesday. Pleased with my plan, I headed back to the office. When I checked in for messages, the office administrator handed me a stack. Most of them were simply requests for information which could be easily dealt with from home the next day. The plan was still looking good. It looked good until the last message. It read, " Michelle needs you to take her to the food bank in the morning." Damn. Grumbling commenced. No jammies, no warm house and uninterrupted time to write. Why do I have to take her to the food bank? My job description is wide and varied but no where does it say I am a chauffeur. I couldn't phone her and make other arrangements because she didn't have a phone. Arrggh.
The next morning at the designated time and place, I showed up. With a bit of slipping and sliding through the promised snow, we made it to the food bank and back to Michelle's temporary housing. I dropped her off and headed to the office. Over the following weeks, Michelle became a weekly visitor to my office. It was clear that she was struggling with some mental illness which caused a repetition of stories and rigidity of thought that was not helped by my attempts to reason with her. Safe housing and employment were at the top of the list of Michelle's immediate needs. I agreed to help. Some days she sorely tested my patience, especially when she tried to tell me what I needed to do. But determined to follow through, I persisted. We have made progress. It has been a bit of challenge for both us, but we have persevered.
Much to my dismay I am sometimes slow on the uptake. It became clear over time that the Universe had answered my request to make a difference. I was thinking a committee or a grand design process. Something that would cause the local paper to interview me. Lofty grand thoughts I was having. I thought a committee but the Universe sent Michelle. Michelle, a face of poverty, who needed real and tangible help. Help I could offer because of my job, my education and my fortune in life. In a flash of insight, I knew that chauffeur had been added to my job description. Not only had it been added, but it was important, if not glamorous. Grace is humbling.
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