Henrietta Dubb's Diary - 20
Mutual Obligation and the Op Shop
"Good-bye!" "See
you later!" "Farewell!" The Op-Shop has been a well-loved venue
for Point Lonsdale as a caring community!
Made possible by a pepper-corn
rental charged by its owners, the Op Shop was an excellent example of how
personal and public life can be woven together for the common good. The venture
was always much more than the money collected. And now?
First, we assess the Op Shop's
benefits. How much was raised? How many were employed? What were the annual
profits? What were its other impacts? One year, I heard, $30,000 was
distributed. That's a hefty sum and all will agree these years were well spent.
Our small and vigorous community
is thankful for the good gifts showered upon us. Those on the Op Shop roster
reminded us all of their faith - this kind of service is specially blessed from
heaven above. There were also many unpriceables particularly for the loyal crew
who operated the show. And with a Pasquini's latté for good measure! Well done!
Well done!
And now the supermarket will have
a facelift.
I wonder. As the new building
emerges let's rethink our approach to local economics. How should things
develop in the market place of our community life? Right in front of our eyes
we have had a wonderful expression of mutual obligation. This preceded
the development we now witness. There is something deeply valuable in this -
when anyone gives expression to a sense of mutual obligation we are all
challenged. Deeply. It is how it should be. And often, as in this instance, we
are all the better for it, too.
So if a spirit of mutual
obligation has taken root amongst us then the next Opportunity Shop may not be
too far away. When we allow self interest to take a subordinate place to our
life together then all kinds of good things happen. Let's continue to put first
things first. The former Op Shop has reminded us that life together in the
local market place is made possible as mutual obligation is freely embraced.
Let's do some wondering. Where
will Op-Shop Mark II come from?
May 2004
© Henrietta Dubb's Diary, is written and published by
Bruce C Wearne, 29 Lawrence Rd., Point Lonsdale Vic 3225 AUSTRALIA,
61-3-5258-3913. Each entry in the diary may be photocopied or
retransmitted in its entirety but shall not otherwise be reprinted or
transmitted without the author's written permission. This is a project to
encourage positive Christian citizenship, the development of policies and
political attitudes that better express our love for God and our neighbour.
Comments are welcome. Email can be sent to bcwearne@ozemail.com.au