Christmas 2013. It was my first Christmas post-divorce.
When my ex was getting ready to move (and we were still friends), we held a garage sale. My ex insisted I sell our Christmas tree as it was getting old. It was, but what if I couldn't afford a new one? He assured me I was being crazy. He gave it to someone who drove past our garage sale at the end of the day. It was a young mom with a small child, who was delighted when she saw it and even more so, when he gave it to her. It made me happy too. I knew it was going to a good home.
Fast forward to December of that year. I had no money for gifts, let alone a tree. I shopped, hoping I could find one but they were too expensive...$40.00 for a tabletop size and I would still need to buy lights. Although I was working my job and tutoring everyday after school for an additional 3 hours, I still only had enough money for the necessities; food, housing, and occasionally getting my hair done at the beauty school.
At an Emmaus gathering, I mentioned to a friend how expensive trees were getting. She said she had an extra one but it was only tabletop size. Would I like it? YES! I was ecstatic. Not only did she give me the tree, but a string of lights. And so, that tree went on a table in my front window, decorated with ornaments that were in my family for years. I could not stop looking at it. That year, we did not have presents but we did have our tree. And a magnificent tree it was; every time I looked at it, it brought me such joy! I was so incredibly blessed! Instead of opening gifts, my oldest son and I celebrated by going to church. We then came home and watched a movie. It was probably one of the best Christmases we ever had, as we celebrated not only being together but our Savior's birth. For the first time, I think my boys really understood why we celebrate Christmas.
Fast forward to 2016. I am in a comfortable home with a tree that is bigger than I ever imagined owning. I was on the phone with a student's parent just before break, who mentioned she lived in a motel and was waiting on Section 8 housing. At that second, I didn't think much of it. I hung up and I got a nudge from the Holy Spirit. Call her back! Was I sure I should? Call her back! I called her back and asked her..."What are you doing for Christmas? Do you have a Christmas tree?" I knew the answer before she told me. She said "No." I explained to her that I had one...it was a bit worn (I told her apologetically) but I explained how I had been given it after my divorce and I had nothing. I asked her if she would like it? She said "yes" through tears. I knew these kids were going to be without Christmas and so, I enlisted the help of anyone who would listen and took gifts over to her house yesterday -- along with the tree.
Their home was as I expected. Although the sign outside said apartments, it was definitely a motel room -- 1 bedroom with a kitchenette. Clean but small -- housing a mom and three kids. Later that day, she sent me a picture of the tree with the presents and stockings around it. My heart melted.
The truth is, we don't always listen enough. We live in a world where we need to hurry up and work. And when we're not working, we allow ourselves to be distracted by cell phones, computers, tablets and television. Had I not had that nudge from the Holy Spirit, I probably wouldn't have called back. I would have (sadly thought), "It's none of my business."
Sometimes, we need to listen to what's inside of us. There is a "voice" that says, "do it!" That voice is the Holy Spirit. I tell you this story not to say, "Hey, I'm a great person," but rather to say, "Wake up! Listen! Someone may need you...someone you might never have imagined!" I could have gone back to work that day and let any thoughts that popped into my head be brushed aside. But I didn't...because I knew what it felt like to tell my nearly grown boys that there would be no gifts that year!
Someone heard me in 2013. I heard someone else in 2016. That tree was not just a blessing...it was a gift! This holiday season (and anytime you can) pay it forward. It doesn't take much. Just a willing heart and a listening ear. We are the eyes, hands and feet of Jesus. Serve others. Love Him. When you do, you can make the world a better place.
Merry Christmas!
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