Taking time to look around, look out of
the window

During my short break over the recent school holidays, I decided to clean out a lot of household items that I no longer had use for.  The major reason being that when relocating to Brisbane that I would “downsize.”  A term that we hear quite often these days and particularly at my time in my career and age.

Downsizing can be quite painful and so one must have an intention to do so and a fixed mindset for it to happen with no reservations. To some extent downsizing takes courage, after all possessions can be very dear to us humans.

I had heard of a charity group, through a work colleague, that helps to temporarily rehouse families after they have lost their home and their possessions because of a fire or families who have fled domestic violence. At this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are increased numbers of families despairing due to loss of income, loss of family or friends and the loss of support.

Many of us would not know what it is like to be “without” or to be challenged by these difficulties, however I do acknowledge that some of us might know what this is like.  It can be very hard for people to ask for help and support, courage is often needed. The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain etc. without fear can be hard.  I despair when I read or hear of some of the situations that families find themselves in, very often through no fault of their own. Faith will often help people get through their times of difficulty.

In Isaiah 41:10:

 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

So, I packed up many bags (more than you need to know!) of clothes, household items, furniture and children’s toys (from my daughter) and happily handed them all to the lovely people who do such as great service to support these families.  It is a wonderful feeling knowing that you are going to help families “get back on their feet.” 

As leaders of our communities, I encourage you to look outside of the window, look around and take time to thank God for all the blessings bestowed on you. Be grateful. If you can help someone today or tomorrow, God bless you.

Eunice Stoll 

DSLS