A Multitude of Blessings

 

As I sit here admiring my Christmas tree with its multitude of gifts beneath it, the weekend's sermon comes back to me.  Yes, this is the season of celebration.  It's a time of family, of baking, and cooking, and gift selections.  It's a time of decorations and lights and parties.  We open our wallets this time of year, more so than any other.  

Sitting in church on Saturday evening listening to the sermon, I felt a little off kilter.  Yes, this is the season of celebration and giving, but what about those families who are struggling to get through the day, let alone the season.  When we pass by the Salvation Army bell ringers, do we make a bucket donation?  Do we buy an extra children's gift to place in the collection box as we leave the store?  Do we adopt a child's name off an Angel Tree or perhaps join a group selecting gifts for an entire family or a children's club?  How about food?  Do we volunteer our time and resources to assure these families can put a holiday meal on the table that they can enjoy together? 

While we are busy celebrating with our loved ones, do we stop to think of the less fortunate in our communities?  How are these folks spending their holiday?  I was rather ashamed of myself Saturday when listening to the week's message.  Yes, I have donated to the Salvation Army, I made cookies and delivered them to the small town businesses that I work with throughout the year and also to my friends and neighbors.  Yes, I gave a donation to a server at a restaurant my mother and I lunched at the other day for a family in need (we were taking a break from our final stage of Christmas shopping).  But all this wasn't enough.  I am blessed beyond measure.  I have everything I need.  What about the families who don't?  

We have a strip mall here located next to a Lowe's Home Improvement store.  The road between the two is a place where the needy folks stand with their signs in hand - out of work; single mom needs help; trying to feed my family.  I drive by these folks with my car loaded with one purchase or many -that I just made - and I find myself unable to look in their direction in case I make eye contact.  Will they expect a hand out from me if they catch me looking in their direction?

Yes, some people take advantage of situations like this.  Just like you, I could give my opinion on this but will refrain as this is not the platform for it.  What I am trying to say is that maybe this time of year, that I am wrong.  These folks with their signs and forlorn faces are people, plain and simple.  They are people just like and and me and they deserve to be recognized.  To be seen.  To be acknowledged.  Maybe their circumstances don't allow them a choice.  Maybe whatever they collect that day is the only thing that puts food for their children on the table that evening.  Maybe the days' collection helps to keep the power or water on for another day.  Whatever their circumstance, who am I to judge?

Today, I am thankful that it is not me standing on the street corner with a sign in my hand.  My celebration of the season has cultivated in an accumulation of gifts beneath the tree.   My celebration of the season has allowed me to connect with others and give willingly.  I am both grateful and thankful that I can help my community.  And one day, if things change and I find myself in a different situation, I hope that my community will be a blessing in return.  This is the season of love - love for a tiny king who will rise to save us all.  Is there any better gift than that?