what is right....

I was trying to do what was right.  I was trying to teach her what was right.
Follow the rules.  Avoid the chaos.  Keep the order.  Do what is right.
I was wrong.  So busy trying to be right, I missed a chance to do right..

The Monday afternoon ritual shifted into gear.   With the head the boxed dinner program  running late, I found myself in the lucky position to hand out the food.  She was first in line to get her box.  She held her hands out and smiled.  I passed her a white cardboard package.  Instead of the thank you I usually heard, I got, "but I need three."

She wanted three boxes so she could take two to her sisters.  I calmly and lovingly explained to her that her sisters would have to get their own boxes.  The program had a strict limit of resources and and abundance of need.  In the interest if fairness, the "one per customer" rule had to be enforced.  After all, what would happen if everyone tried to take three or four boxes?  Follow the rules.  Do what is right.

"But I need three."

We finally agreed that she could check back at the end and see if  we had leftovers, and I would take ask the people in charge if they could help meet the need.  A sigh of relief.  We had reached an understanding, right?  I turned around to serve the next person.  She walked right out the door and did not look back, holding three boxes in her hand. 

Just then, the head of the program walked in the door.  I explained the situation.  Didn't we need to follow the rules?  Keep the order.  Do what is right.

"Yes, I know.... And we need to feed the hungry."

The LORD God has told us
   what is right
   and what he demands:
   "See that justice is done,
   let mercy be your first concern,
   and humbly obey your God." Micah 6:8