A Christmas Gift: Overwhelmed with Gratitude & Understanding

     Every Christmas season my parents allowed us the opportunity to learn about service. Each year they would pick a family or someone they knew that was going through a rough time. Then as a family we would gather together and discuss what ways we could help this family. Being the youngest, I can't remember everything that we gave these families, but I do remember the times we would gather together in excitement to plan. It was always the 12 days of Christmas. So for 12 nights we would take something to this family, place it on the doorstep, ring the doorbell and run. Some of the times we would hide in the bushes and watch the families open the door and be delighted at what they saw. Other times, families would know we were coming and be ready to chase us down. It was exhilarating and the joy from helping someone else and bringing them happiness became engrained in to my heart.

     

     This year as Christmas was approaching I was worried that we were going to miss out on some of the festivities because we had just moved. I was also still feeling that deep tiredness from the events of the year and having a baby.  Phil and I kept planning to go pick up a tree, I was determined to get one, but for one reason or another it just never worked out. Other things just kept coming up. And to be honest, I was worried that it would be too much work for Phil and I. Phil just had surgery on his right leg and I wasn't sure how we were going to haul a tree in our house and set it up. 

     Then one day, the day that was all lined up for us to go get a tree (no interruptions), a knock came on our door late morning. It was two men who worked for MD Nursery. They said that they had a Christmas tree for us. Then they brought it in, with a stand and set it up. I think I was a little bit in shock. I asked who it was from and they said that it was anonymous. I was so touched and told them to tell whoever it was that we were so grateful. It was a little tender mercy and an answer to the worry I had in my heart. Before they left, they handed me a package too, just bigger than a shoe box. The note had our family name on it and directions to open it in the evening when our family was all together. Immediately when they left, Brewer and I called Phil on FaceTime to show him the tree. He was just as surprised and touched as I was. I spent the rest of the day stringing lights on the tree. I couldn't wait for Lola to experience the magic of Christmas, or at least the glow of twinkle lights. 

     Just before bed, we gathered the boys around and opened the box that came with the tree. Immediately the boys were excited about the three lego sets that were in there. Two for the boys and a girl set for Lola. Whoever this was, knew that our family loves Legos. As Phil and I went through the rest of the box, we were overwhelmed by the generosity and love that it contained. There were several gifts cards, all to our favorite restaurants around the valley and even massages. Tears couldn't be contained from Phil and I as we carefully looked it all over. Towards the bottom was a blank envelope that took some courage to open. Phil and I would have never accepted this charitable gift, we would have never admitted that we needed it. It was so touching. On the very bottom was a printed note that read, "The Christmas season may you know that God is loving and kind. May you also know that you are a family loved beyond words." These words were the essence of the package and the feelings we were experiencing in our hearts. We felt so loved and we felt God's love. 

     This package gave us the opportunity to talk to our boys about service and about what a great sacrifice someone had made for our benefit. I finally understood what it must have felt like for all those family we tried helping over the years. No one wants to accept help and even admit they need help, but when it comes, especially in an anonymous form, it's like it is sent from heaven.  There is no need to repay or feel a weight of obligation. However, we do feel obligated to continue to help and serve those around us. Charity and service is what we must all do, all the time.  That is how we will repay our loving and kind Heavenly Father who has so richly blessed our lives this year. And we hope and pray that the giver of this gift is richly blessed as well.