It’s better to give than to receive… how many times have we heard this expression? In my experience, this is usually the case… though I believe that sometimes getting a gift bestowed on you when you least expect it… and most need it… is an incredible blessing as well!
We were blessed by such an experience this week, and it reminded me how fortunate we are to have such amazing friends, and a God who sends ‘angels’ into our lives in those moments we need them more than ever (in more ways than one). I’m overwhelmed with the love and generosity we received… and pray we can and will pass on this wonderful feeling of being cared for to someone else…
Each year at Christmastime, my family tries to think of someone who may need extra ‘help’ for one reason or another. It could be that they’ve lost a job, been through a divorce, faced an illness… there are so many reasons that the holidays can become burdensome, and that’s when it is nice to have someone who understands… and has been there (or maybe still is).
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13
This year has been very tough for me because our circumstances have changed, and the ‘giving’ nature that I was born with has to be more restrained than I’m used to or happy with. I started feeling rather upset and discouraged by this… then I realized that this was the time to come up with other options, other than giving a large sum of money and more expensive gifts…
As I was contemplating… who, what, and why… I received an email from the Parent Network at my kids’ school. It was regarding a friend of my daughters who was hit by a car a few weeks ago. One of her legs was broken (as well as the opposite thigh) leaving her in a wheelchair and miserable!
The school was looking for people to make meals, donate gift cards and/or gas money… in an attempt to make things easier for the family during such extreme circumstances.
I knew my daughter had hoped to do something for Mallorie after she heard about the accident, and this seemed like the answer I’d been looking for too. When the kids got home I asked them their thoughts on choosing them as our Christmas family… and they agreed it was the perfect solution!
We decided to make up a gift basket full of miscellaneous items they might appreciate… and hopefully might come in handy. The basket consisted of the makings for a pasta dinner, some chips and salsa, a few cans of soup, some cookies, and a few other snack type items. We also baked some pumpkin muffins we hoped they’d enjoy…
I called ahead to make sure it was a good time, then my daughter and I went to drop it off. When the door opened, Mallorie rolled herself over to us with a shocked expression, saying she didn’t know we were coming… it broke my heart to see her in the wheelchair, but the smile on her face was priceless!
We visited for a few minutes and got the update that Mallorie will make a full recovery, but has quite a long road ahead of her. We also discussed how fortunate that she was… in the past three years at Wy’East Middle School (since the year my son started) there’s been a death and several accidents… all involving students. If you have a minute, please say a prayer for the families of Quinn, Chris and Mallorie!
I mentioned the other day about the Ten Dollar Challenge given by my friend and fellow blogger, Billy Coffey. I thought this gesture had covered that challenge, and we included a pizza gift card with that specific thought in mind.
I felt great about having things all DONE, and relieved that God had timed things out perfectly so that I knew this is what He wanted us to do… then I ran to the store to grab a few items I’d forgotten when shopping.
As I stood in the 12 items or less line, the newborn in the cart in front of me caught my attention (I’m a baby freak for those who don’t know me)… this little cutie was fast asleep, and I mentioned to the mom how sweet he looked.
This was all it took for her to decide to share what was happening in her life… it seems the baby’s dad is in jail, and will be finding out in a few days if he has to serve time, or if he’ll be released on probation. She let me know that the baby was having a hard time sleeping due to all the stress he could sense in their home…
The woman let me know that her husband had been trying to get his act together, and really needed this opportunity to come home and be a daddy. It was then her turn in line, so I told her I’d pray that the outcome in court would go well, and that this man would continue to keep himself on the right track for the sake of his family.
She was purchasing only a few items, mainly for the baby… I paused for a split second, and she swiped her card before I had the chance to ask the cashier to add it to my bill. I thought that this tiny gesture might let her know that there are people who care, and that she wasn’t alone. Once I’d missed that opportunity I was really frustrated for not responding quicker.
I realized just because YOU think you’re DONE and that you’ve finished your part… God may have completely different plans… continue to keep your eyes and heart open, and learn from my mistake. Don’t hesitate… who knows what opportunities and blessings you may miss if you aren’t ready to act!
To the woman in line at Fred Meyer… I’m praying for you…
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s not the size of the gift that matters – its the size of the heart in the gift. What a great basket for Mallorie and her family. And thanks for the reminder to keep our eyes/ears open for needs right in front of us.
You did give a gift while waiting in that line. You opened yourself to listening to her story. You might have been the only person to whom she was able to tell her story. What an unburdening that must have been for her.
A gift can be given without costing you anything. And it may be the best gift you can give.
Great post and reminders. Maureen’s right, you may not have paid her bill but you still helped her by being there. There are so many ways to give and like you say, we have to keep our eyes and ears open.
Some years back, before our group from church embarked on a short-term mission trip, the missions leader told us always to be prepared for God to change our plans. On this trip, that’s what happened, and it’s something I still think of as one of the greatest blessings of my life. Thanks for sharing this story.
i love the last line…