Dear All

We have a new resident in our house – a ladybird. I have no idea where she (I have decided it is a she) came from, but she now resides on the window sill in the living room, happily munching on aphids and honey and drinking water. Her movements are not restricted in any way, but she does not seem to have any intention of leaving the folded piece of kitchen roll I have given her as a ‘home’. Sometimes she likes sitting on my finger and cleaning herself. Sometimes I find her on her back with her feet helplessly kicking the air and turn her over. Sometimes I wonder if she is too warm on that window sill and turn the heating down.

My husband is also regularly too warm, but I have never turned the heating down for him. Nor have I checked on his wellbeing as often as I check on my ladybird. I am less concerned if there is nothing in the fridge than I am if there isn’t enough ladybird food.

To defend my ladybird madness a little bit, the ladybird is small and frail and can’t provide for herself until it’s warmer outside, whereas Michael is a big man who can shop and cook. But I think it is quite common among people to care for animals and birds (and apparently even insects) a lot more than we care for fellow humans. I have met enough people who claimed they loved animals more than people because, in their words, people were too much work or too much trouble. Mixed with these feelings, there must have been past hurt or betrayal or just a need to care for someone or something.

Caring for various creatures is good, but human need is also great and growing greater, and I am curious why we so often dismiss it either blaming people for their own misfortunes or feeling like it is none of our business. Jesus said, ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of my brothers or sisters, you did for me’. This is what we are called to do: care for the least, for those in need. As a church, we have joined the Church Action on Poverty and are hoping to make a difference in the lives of those whose needs are great. This month, I would like to encourage all of us to focus on someone else’s needs – physical, emotional, financial – and do what is in our power to help. I will start by being nicer to my husband.

Ana