A Plate for the Poor

Someone once handed to a poor child, who feared for their life as they went each day without knowing if they would eat that day, a plate full of food. This kind person gave them this plate of food saying, “Eat up little one.” Smiling as they watched this poor, bony child devour this meal that filled the belly of an average person’s life every day without a second thought.

That day, that individual saw firsthand how different someone’s life can change from one act. Not only did that poor child receive a fulfilling meal and a warm home with a proper bed to sleep, but also for the owner of that bed and home and the laborer of whom earned the money to buy that meal. The owner of that warming home was rewarded a warmed heart.

The child, hearing those words daily, replaying in their mind passed on their story of the plot twist in their life to others. Repeating that one saying, “Eat up little one.” That saying did not only mean to fill the emptiness of your stomach but also to pursue the opportunity. Next time you, a starving child, are given a plate of food from a generous individual, do not waste the food given and pass it by, eat it. Take the opportunity to have that chance of a hot meal that wouldn’t cause you any sickness. Do not let a hot meal pass you by becoming cold and stale. Do not let an opportunity run away from you without you noticing. When the next plate of food comes your way, take it with gratitude and thankfulness, eating it with a joyous heart. For this may very well be your last meal. For you are not promised a tomorrow. Nor are you promised infinite opportunities.

At some point, you will pass by to be washed, an empty plate whose prior contents now fill a once-empty stomach. Take a stand of your own ground, taking note of yourself as a starving child constantly being offered an opportunity for something new. Stop waiting for the door to open for you, instead, stand from the floor and open the door on your own and open someone else’s door while you're up. Stop being the starving child who cannot control their hunger, instead, be the giving owner whose heart is over joyous to fill others with a meal and offer yourself a new adventure.

-Jacklyn Jones