Needing Rain, Socks, Bandages, and Donkeys

It rained yesterday. Hard. We’ve had a dry spring. We’re told we need the rain. Our gardens need it; the farmers need it. Our grass looks greener this morning, our roses and rhododendrons are looking well. Rain is good.

On my bike, getting soaked, those weren’t my immediate thoughts. The garden weeds are looking remarkably healthy too, but I understand the need, and am grateful for the wet watery stuff… And I realised that I need a new waterproof coat!

On last night’s news we saw donkeys from the Redwings Sanctuary wearing red socks donated by Arsenal FC. Donkey-carers explained why the donkeys need the socks… Summer flies bite the donkeys’ legs, causing pain and scabs. The socks protect the donkeys’ legs from infection and hold vets’ bandages in place.

I assumed that the feet were cut off the end of the socks… I learnt that some professional footballers wear short socks and ‘leg sleeves’. I guess that’s preference, not need.

Needs, donkeys, bandages… Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan. The man is beaten up and lying beside the roadside helpless, needing care and assistance. The Samaritan comes along responds to the need:

‘He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.’

Where did he get the bandages from? Was he carrying a first-aid box with him just in case?

Sydney Carter’s song captures the spirit of Jesus’ story:
When I needed a neighbour, were you there…?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter
Were you there?

It’s about…

…Seeing through the inconvenience or discomfort of rain, the apparent unimportance of old donkeys, the man who needs more time and attention than planned for.

…Seeing through the prejudice of Jews for Samaritans, preferring Norwich yellow socks to Arsenal red socks.

…Seeing a need, being prepared, being present, being practical… responding with my donkey, bandages, first aid kit, time and money…