Tonight my heart was rocked.
An email came to me through the women I volunteer with at church saying there was a single mom with 5 children who had landed on some difficult times and would not be able to provide gifts for her children this Christmas.
This familiar deep deep rooted mixture of wild emotions washed over me and I knew I had to jump in both feet first.
See, for the past 2 years I have been in her shoes. I am a single mom and first time college student, trying desperately to earn a better life for my family. If we couldnt afford to barely keep up with rent or a new coat during the winter, Christmas gifts were surely out of the question.
I have looked my (then) 6 year old son in the face and as gently as Ipossibly could, explained that we would not be exchanging gifts that year but that I knew his grandparents would do their best to try an make is special with a few things when we got down there. (Still wasn't sure how I was going to buy the gas to actually get them there)
My son looked me in the eye and without budging said :It's ok, mommy. I'm okay with just a few things from Grandma and Papa. Mom, do you want to have my money from my piggy bank? You can have it!"
I just cried happy tears that my boy was learning what is really important in this life. Not the gifts and shiny things, but love. Family. Compassion. Grace. My heart was overflowing.
Even now I'm not sure how we will make it through the holidays but that is not even on my worry radar screen. God has been so merciful and gracious to my little family.
I am mostly excited (like ridiculously excited) to play a small role in knowing the joy, the love that this other single mom will get to experience when her whole list is completely filled by strangers who support her! THAT is the good stuff. THAT is Christmas. THAT is love. ove should be a verb. You DO love. SHOW love. BE love.
This, my friends, is what I live for. What an incredibly meaningful night.
I am so grateful that I am learning how to live a joyous life through loving and serving others. It is truly unlike anything I have ever known.
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