Christmas Thoughts 2010
This morning I had the privilege to go to Camelot and help pass out gifts that were purchased for kids that live there. I really had no expectations other than showing up and letting God do His thing. We took the girls their gifts first. As I watched the kids begin to tear into their bags of goodies … I couldn’t help but hold back tears. They were pulling out coats, shirts, pants, shoes … then I watched a young girl (about the age of 13-15) pull out a cookbook from her bag of goodies. She was so excited and hugged the lady that gave her the bag. She kept saying “Thank you … thank you”. They both eagerly began looking through it. She then looked up and said, “I looked under the tree last night and saw no gifts. I didn’t think we were going to get anything.” It simply broke my heart and yet made me thankful for a place that allows these kids to come and get help … it made me thankful that people sacrificed their money to buy gifts for these kids.
We then moved to pass out gifts to the boys. I was blessed to give a bag of stuff to a little boy who got the same as far as clothing, but also got his set of toys too. He got a big box of Pirate Legos and a Lego watch … along with some other stuff. He was most fascinated with the Lego watch. And … He smiled from the time he came into the room till the time he left.
What an awesome blessing to be a part of something that means so much on this Christmas day!
After that, I came home and wrapped my gifts that I had purchased for the my family (a little late … I know) and was greeted by a white Christmas. When I had left earlier that morning there was just a couple of spots of snow on my deck. However, in the few short hours I was gone, my yard was completely white. I got out of the car and just stood there for a few minutes. Again, I had tears in my eyes as I watched the snow fall. One thing I love about the snow is how quiet it is outside. Snow truly is peaceful. As if all of that wasn’t enough … drove down to my parents house and had an awesome time of food and fellowship with my family.
I write this because I know that Christmas isn’t a happy day for a lot of people, but I can’t help but to think of those kids. They don’t have “family” around … but there was such joy in that place this morning. They didn’t have a tree full of presents … and yet they were so happy to get the bag of goodies. I even can’t help but to think of the kids and families around the world who have absolutely nothing and yet have joy. I have been to an area in Nicaragua that makes our poor look wealthy … and yet they smile from ear to ear because they have found the love of Christ. There truly is a joy that can overcome all adversity … there is a peace that can pass all understanding. My prayer is that everyone reading this finds that peace … and finds that joy.
Merry Christmas to all of you!