Friday, August 12, 2011

Pie not?

It's August, and the craft stores are already displaying fall and winter merchandise.
Aisles are bursting with colorful Autumn leaves and artificial Christmas Trees. It seems early, but apparently there are many folks who are happiest when they are in the midst of preparation...of any kind.
So, I offer a few words on pumpkins. Pumpkins are grown everywhere in the world, except Antarctica. They are used for decoration, for eating and for cooking pots.
In America we use them to make pies. More correctly, some of us take a can of pumpkin and add milk, sugar, eggs, and spices to concoct a pie filling. We also need to make or purchase a pastry pie shell and whipped cream, or its substitute, to top-off the cooked pie.
Delicious eating and it's so traditionally American.
But, the appeal of pumpkin pie is limited. Immigrants and refugees really don't like it. Further more, they do not know what to do with numerous cans of pumpkin puree that they are "given" at holiday time.
Think about this. What can a refugee family, from Somalia, do with a can of pumpkin....if they have no eggs, milk, sugar or spices? Right. Not a thing. And, then think about the skill of using an oven. Oh, wow!
So, don't even consider bringing a can of pumpkin to a charitable food drive.
Try beans, corn, rice, canned milk, tuna or macaroni and cheese, instead.

Lord. We sincerely want to help others. But, help us to understand that not everyone thinks and acts like we do. Show us ways to be generous in a common sense way. Help us to appreciate what the needy might really want.
We are truly blessed.

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