Pass The Test!

By Mark Dennen

A locomotive starts a train by slowly pulling on the first car, removing the slack in the coupler. The engine’s inertia starts the first car moving and the inertia of both then start the next car moving. And so it goes until the entire train is moving down the track.

A volunteer program starts in much the same way. A person discerns a need in the community. They want to get started immediately, but realize that they cannot do it alone. So they seek out a friend and pull them into the project. Together, the two seek out others and slowly, but surely, the critical mass is attained to complete the task. Others see the result and join to work on future projects and soon the fever spreads throughout the community.

Although the media constantly exposes the plight of the poor in areas such as Calcutta, Sudan, and Kosovo, there are many in need of assistance right here in our own community of Newtown. Who are these people? They are elderly women, single mothers, people struck down by illness or victims of an unfortunate accident.

I don’t understand how it has evolved that there are so many unfortunate in such close proximity to those blessed with so many riches. It is not just a Newtown phenomenon. This void between the two extreme classes has existed since before the advent of money. Perhaps it is a test. For those in need, it is a test to see if their faith will sustain them through such hardship, while for those with plenty, it is a test to see if they will reach out to assist those in need.

I would propose for those in need to have faith in your fellow man, stretch out your hand and ask for help. And for the others, reach out and grab it just like a brass ring. You will be constantly rewarded with warm thank-you’s and treasured memories. Your children will also learn an invaluable tradition which can be carried on for generations. So the next time someone calls and asks you to join in and help, pass the test, jump on board and have the ride of your life.