to the family in the woods.....

This past weekend I had the opportunity to hunt on some private land way out in the middle of nowhere.  On sunday, I was out preparing my spot to hunt and  stumbled across a family living in the woods.  They certainly were surprised to see me, and I them.  Their home seemed to meet their immediate needs.  You could see that is wasn't well put together, using what little resources they had available.  They didn't say anything to me, despite me trying to talk to them.  I decided that I best just mind my own business and let them carry on.   I didn't really know what to do.  I think I scared them because they thought they were so well hidden and all they worked so hard for would vanish.  

Should I tell someone about them?  What if I told the wrong person and I made this family worse off?  Do I take responsibility for them?  I already have a family to take care of. So many questions.....

I could bring food to them, but only for a few days.  I would be leaving.  I don't know that they would understand that the food would stop.  Do I leave enough food to last them the winter?  

It really got me thinking about all the other opportunities to help people that I have.  The homeless man on the corner asking for money.  Is the 5$ really going to help him?  Should I take him in town to the local shelter if he really needs help?  Clearly he knows it's there, but maybe he does "better" standing on the corner gathering spare change and dollar bills from passing motorists.  

It leaves the question, What really helps people?  A one time gift?  Does that work?  What about relying on many others one time gifts too?   

So what did I do to the family in the woods? I gave them a quarter of a granola bar and some buffalo style ranch sunflower seeds.  I really don't know how much a family of mice living in an upside down 5 gallon bucket  filled with leaves up in a treestand eats, but I'm sure every little bit helps. 

hahahaha, very funny.   Right?  Wrong?  this situation happens all day every day for many people.  We all want to help people but it is a very hard decision on how.  How do I help them so that they can take care of themselves long term.  So many times we say feed a man a fish and feed him for a day, teach him and he eats for life.  Are we teaching? Are you making time to teach others how to fish?  Not just your own family, but others who have no one to teach?   

Are you committing to help others?  Or do you just want to show them a good time around the holidays?  Is it about you or about them?  

I don't have all the answers.  I'm still searching for them.  I'm just hoping more and more of you ask the questions.....