“Okay, help me pick a family,” I told my kids as we stood at the table at the back of the church and looked over the spreadsheets. Each one had several names and ages of children, with their shirt and shoe sizes listed. Next to each name was a single toy suggestion for Christmas. It’s our church’s annual version of an Angel Tree for needy children in our community. As we looked over the families to “sponsor,” I could hear my youngest read the items on the list. Barbie doll, she whispered, and with her finger she moved to the next name, Music CD. “Mom, is this all they will get for Christmas?” she asked. I could tell she was trying to understand need in her world of more than enough. We finally chose 3 kids near the ages of mine who loved music. Three kids just like mine. This time of year, there are so many opportunities to give something to someone in need. And I’m first in line. Angel Tree-yes; Food Pantry-count us in; Fair trade gifts that employ women, you bet, dropping of secret Santa gifts to a needy family-wouldn’t miss it. What better way to remind my kids–and myself–how much we have than by teaching them to share with those who have less? Perspective changes Christmas. It not only shows us the needs of others, it shows us our need. And with her finger pointing to a girl’s name, just about her age, she asked, “Is this all she wants for Christmas?” “No, honey. She wants much more than what’s on that list. She and millions like her want one thing for Christmas:
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 14:07:07 +0000
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