Philippians 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. I was working in the dental office and as the holiday approached I was needed more often in the back office. One day the dental assistant and I were cleaning the teeth of two little girls, sisters. I asked my tiny patient, “Are you excited for Christmas to get here?” With my hands in her mouth she nodded. Next, I asked “What do you want for Christmas?” She pushed my hands out of her mouth. “My dad had a talk with us. He told us that Santa won’t be bringing presents this year because we don’t have any money.” She continued, “He feels really bad but its okay. I went shopping with my aunt and got my mom and dad socks for Christmas.” I could hear her older sister ‘shushing’ her from the adjoining operatory. Tears were burning my eyes, “Well, I’m sure that it will be fun with your family.” Next, she said, “My grandma will cook food but we don’t have a Christmas tree or anything either.” The other dental assistant and I caught eyes. She was obviously as moved with emotion as I. With a lump in my throat, I said, “I am sure that it will be a good Christmas.” My heart was breaking as I watched this little adorable girl head back to the waiting room to join her mother. I met with her mom to explain the outcome of the days check up and in that moment my eye caught “the office Christmas tree”… Lord help me in this busy holiday season to keep my eyes and ears open to what you might be up to and how I might join you! Let my life demonstrate love! Matthew 10:8b Freely you received, freely give. At lunchtime the office staff was buzzing as I told them the story of the sisters. I then asked my boss if we could give them the office tree. He wanted to but was cautious because he didn’t want to offend the family. He thought out loud, “we have to find a way to give them the tree without being hurtful.” “What if we told them they somehow won it?” I asked, this was getting exciting now. Everyone was chipping in money, presents and food. Another patient overheard us and asked if she could write us a check for $100.00 so that we could buy the girls and their parent’s Christmas presents. We loaded up the tree in my boss’s truck and headed to well, lets just say not the nicest part of town. The excited girls met us at the door and asked us to come in. As we drug the tree through the door my heart sank. I knew that it was going to be rough; I just didn’t expect it to be this hard. It was obvious that the family was struggling to make ends meet and that presents and a tree were not even a slight possibility. We pulled out the decorations and they asked us to stay and help. When we were finished we plugged in the lights. We all just stood there in silence. I mean the kind of silence that gets heavy and still, again I could feel the tears well up. Finally, our little patient exclaimed, “This tree is beautiful. This is going to be the best Christmas ever!” I want to be so full of love and so soft God that you could use me in anyway that you see fit. Let my love overflow! John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. The next day was Christmas Eve. I shopped, wrapped and bagged the gifts. I boxed a turkey and all of the trimmings carefully. Late that night my husband and I drove with our car lights off down the street with bags and boxes. We carried our first load to the front of the yard. “The gates locked.” My husband whispered to me. “Then climb over the fence.” I told him. “Lori you don’t climb over fences at nearly midnight in this neighborhood unless you want to get shot.” He replied. “I bet Santa would.” I laughed. We ended up tossing the bags over the fence and hurrying off to call the family and alert them that their yard was full of surprises. “Hello.” A sleepy voice answered. “Go look in your front yard man.” Bob said. “Who is this? What are you talking about? I think you have the wrong number,” Was the reply. “No, I have the right number. Go look in your front yard. There are bags of gifts for you and your family. Have a Merry Christmas!” Bob hung up. I am so thankful God that you loved me so much…that you gave! Help me to be joyful and generous. Show me how to love like you do! Matthew 18:3 Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Our family has been serving in Mexico for years. We have helped with building projects, played with kids at orphanages and assisted medical/dental clinics that care for the poor. I have to admit though; my favorite time of year to serve is Christmas! We headed out with my three young children across the border. I was in charge of the gifts and food. I checked my lists and made final phone calls. I was overwhelmed with the final preparations. I could no longer hide my stress. “Get in the car. Put on your seatbelts.” I barked at my kids, “Don’t get out again. We are almost ready to go.” As we arrived to our destination the cars unloaded and set up began. It was hot and dirty. Some of the volunteers were complaining about the location and where they would be most comfortable. I was trying to be patient when my 4 year old ran up. “Mommy can I give my shoes to my friend over there?” she pointed to a small child sitting in the distance. I didn’t look up. “No Jordan, I didn’t bring any extra shoes for you.” I replied “Mom!” she grabbed my arm now, “I have more at home! She doesn’t have any.” Jordan let go of my arm and marched over to her new friend. I stood and watched as she sat on the ground at the feet of this young. She carefully took off her own shoes and socks then put them on the feet of her friend. Tears ran down my face as I watched this act of unselfish love demonstrated by my child. Lord help me to slow down this holiday season. Teach me to listen and follow after you. Let me lay aside my plans and projects. Help me look more like Christmas.
Posted on: Sat, 16 Nov 2013 22:43:51 +0000
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