The Carousel of Charity…

If you have gone to Disney World, there’s a good chance that you know the ride “The Carousel of Progress”. Even if you don’t, it’s easy to understand—the ride moves around a circular stage, each set depicting another era of American life. No era is better than the other per se; it’s just that what you see at the time is what gets your attention.

I see charity like that. I don’t view people, causes, or events on a ladder. You know what I mean—I heard someone say it just this morning on NPR. A woman who had been through a disaster was being interviewed, and when asked what she would do next, she replied that she would be caring for family, as they were her number one priority.

I have a problem with that. Taking care of “you” and “yours” above all else is perhaps what got us into this crummy economic crisis to begin with. We are always thinking of just what is on the top of our list, and if the things on the bottom cannot be taken care of, oh well. At least we cared for “us” and “ours”. But the problem with that is the denial that life is indeed like a carousel, and good times/bad times are bound to shift around. We cannot simply focus on who or what means most to us. The need that is on the visible side of the carousel is what should be tended to first. I used my family as an example for my friend Sena. They are extremely important to me, but if I am on my way home to be with them and I see a person or animal in need along the way, then at that moment, that person’s situation supersedes any need of my family’s. But the reverse can also be true. One day I was headed out to walk a dog who had been in her crate for a few hours. Her need was important, but my dog Lucy superseded that when she had a massive seizure and I had to rush her to the vet. I got to my client’s house, but it was a bit later than usual.

Perhaps it is my Quaker faith that allows me to see the world on equal terms. I may want to do what feels good or is comfortable—such as napping on my couch—but if I know of a situation at hand, my needs must roll around on the carousel until next time.

What about yours?