There have been a few posts lately about Christmas, and what that time of year really means. To many, it is simply a holiday where you exchange gifts. There are many out there who slam the holiday, including the witnesses, complaining about this or that, and not having the holiday spirit that is supposed to be there. The fact is, for some, it really is a wonderful time of the year to help others out, and do nice things.
The following is a true story, and the person involved is a business associate of mine. I have been friends with his family a long time, and everything stated here is accurate. I think this is a perfect example of the real Christmas spirit. For the purpose of this story, I will change the names of those involved, as this was done without looking for praise and the "look at me" attitude.
Rick and Paige had done very well financially, and wanted to give back to those who needed it. They went to their pastor, and asked for a list of all the single moms in the church that were having a hard time financially. In addition to the names of the moms, they wanted names and ages of her children.
They went to Toys R Us on Christmas eve, and got a few shopping carts. They filled this carts with many toys. They kept track on their list of those children, and bought gifts according to their age. There were electronic toys, dolls, little bicycles, games; everything you could imagine. They would look around, and were amazed at the disgusted looks of others, as they went down the isles. "Oh look at them!" was heard, with people pointing. How horrible, what a display, "what spoiled kids they must have!" They didn't understand what was going on, nor did they take the time to find out.
They purchased the merchandise, and load up the toys into a big truck. Together, with the pastor, they headed off to the homes of these single moms and their children. It was getting late at this point; kids were in bed by now.
At each of the homes the following happened. The pastor knocked on the door, with Rick and Paige behind them. The mom would answer the door, rather suprised at the late knock. She would feel better once she saw the pastor, and wondered, "Why are you here, and so late?" The pastor would then introduce them to Rick and Paige; sometimes they would recognize each other, but now a formal introduction was given. Rick and Paige, as the pastor would say, were here to help out with Christmas. Right after that, they would go to the truck and bring out the toys that were specifically chosen for her children. Lots of toys, and pile them in the living room.
At each home that they did this at, it was the same result. The mom would be crying tears of happiness, at the same time asking "Who are you and why are you doing this?" followed by a "What do you want or expect from me?" Rick and Paige said that they were blessed to be in a position to help, and would hand them a disposable camera. "All we want in return, is for you to take pictures of your kids when they wake up in the morning and see the suprises in store for them, and send us those pictures." And then they would leave to the next house
As many good people I knew that were witnesses, none had the heart and unselfish love displayed by Rick and Paige.
Just an example of what Christmas can be about. Not everyone obviously can do what this couple did, but even the little things we do, can make a huge difference in someone else's life.