Pineapple Perspective

So I was at the market today, facing a new challenge. Now that I have become buddy buddy with some of the sellers I feel like I HAVE to buy from them. Guilt takes over and the question of whether a single person can eat an entire pineapple is really besides the point.

Couple this with another new realization. I have quite a bit of money, meaning I live quite comfortably. Imagine that picture of Scrooge counting stacks of money and water it down and that's what happened when I finally cleaned my house a bit and found a bunch of money (I never change, says the twenty in my winter coat pocket that I inevitably find every year.) Yes, I get paid a living stipend but considering I live in a village with no chocolate or goodies besides hard candy, and I don't have utility bills (see there is a perk to no electricity or running water - I've been pondering if washing clothes by hand at home would save money - I'll go with a no, a dirty no.) I can accumulate a bit. Back to the point, I started thinking I should buy more stuff here. Old American theme - get out there and shop and stimulate the economy. Seems like the nice thing to do. The market ladies are just a bunch of my neighbors who farm their land and attempt to make a profit each week. So I was thinking of increasing my purchases of produce to help them out.

For the first time, possibly in my life, another thought came to mind. Sure I could buy a lot more produce but the fact is, there is a set amount of produce being grown in this village area. All the people need to be fed off this amount. If I start taking more than I actually need, that would be selfish. Sure, maybe the market lady wouldn't make as much money, but she could give the produce to people who really need it. I never remember being at the grocery store and thinking that the food would ever run out. Or realizing that taking more than my share was selfish. There's that sense of community again.

So, yes, I bought the pineapple that I didn't need. I gave it to Maryanne as a gift. It felt wonderful. I'm not very good at giving gifts. Imagine going to the grocery store every week and buying something you don't really want or need, and then giving it as a gift. Every single week, going out of your way to spread that kindness. A treat that someone would never buy for themselves.

I hope this is something I remember when I've been home for awhile. and I hope you remember this when I show up to your house with a pineapple :)