Helping Others

With Christmas upon us, I wanted to share something with you that changed my view of life this holiday season. I hope it helps you put things in perspective as well. This is the story of two anonymous families that came together to enrich each others lives this holiday season.

I get caught up in the trappings of Christmas. I admit it. I buy into the whole thing hook line and sinker (or should I say tree, garland, and trinkets)! This year I was busy figuring out how to afford to get the toys the kids wanted and cover bills at the same time. It was 5am and I was curled up with a cup of coffee, a wish list from the kids, a budget, and a pencil. Finally I had it all figured out. I was going to be able to just make it work. About that time it was almost as if someone whispered in my ear, "What will the the Smith Family do?". The Smith family came into our lives this year and they've had one hardship after another. Bills were hard for them to pay and I figured gifts for the kids was out of the question. I picked up my cell phone and sent a quick text. "Would you please allow us to take care of Christmas for the boys this year?" I asked. Little did I know that my new friend was also up and she was in tears not knowing how she would explain to her 5 and 13 year old sons that their baby niece (newborn) was the family's "gift" this year.

It was easy to rearrange my priorities. By making some adjustments, both of our families are about to enjoy a wonderful cluster of gifts that covers all needs and many wants. Not only has helping the Smiths brought me so much joy, but my heart melted when my own 13 year old son brought me $100 he received early for Christmas. He wanted to add it to what we were spending on the Smiths. I never asked him to contribute. His willingness to give away what he had just received meant so much to me. He has been saving for his own laptop for months and he had no concern for the setback this might cause.

It's so easy to overlook the opportunities to help others that arise on a daily basis. Please take a moment and open your eyes to the chances that present themselves. Purchase products that support a good cause, send in that donation check you've procrastinated, buy a bag of groceries for the family down the street that is dealing with a job loss. I truly believe that the good we do is returned to us many times over. Happy Holidays!