So often, during this time of year, we tend to get so caught up in the "game" of Christmas. Our kids are constantly bombarded by the need to have the latest, greatest gadget. We get caught up in the idea that we have to do whatever it takes to find it. Even as Christians who focus on celebrating Jesus' birth at this time of year, we tend to lose sight of what true giving, is all about. The last couple of years the Jimmy, Alexandra, Blake and I have taken an hour to ring the bell for The Salvation Army at Cleghern's Grocery. The chance to do that again was not available this year, so as we tend to do, I got caught up in the craziness of my life and the holidays, and forgot about really pursuing it any further. Thursday, the thought of needing to call the Salvation Army stayed on my mind all day. We left word for someone to call us back, we wanted to ring the bell the following day, Friday, in Clarksville. Even more specifically at the Sango Walmart location. The thought, we will ring the bell for an hour and then run like crazy to finish our Christmas shopping. I thought the chances of getting to do it with this short notice was going to be slim and none, but we waited anxiously for the call.
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The phone rings, as Jimmy is walking out the door to go to work for the night, I don't even hear the phone over the kids yelling bye-bye to Daddy, I simply hear the answering machine start with the message. I run for the phone to be greeted by the friendliest voice I have heard in a while, and hear the words, "You are an answer to prayer. The Clarksville High drill team was suppose to ring the bell for 5 hours on Friday, but has just cancelled due to the fact they are going to attend a classmates funeral." "I have the hours 12-5 available." I think to myself, "Oh my Lord--- 5 hours--- there is no way--- the kids will be tired--- what about the Christmas shopping---then something says to me "do 4 hours--ring for 2 hours, let them sit and have lunch for an hour, and ring for 2 more." Suddenly, I hear myself uttering this to Mrs. Hadley, upon which she is thrilled and saying "God bless your family", "Thank you so much, God bless your family." I hang up the phone, call my husband, and tell him the news. Four hours, are you sure? are the first words from his mouth. With a questions still in my mind, I tell him yeh, we can do it, or I hope we can.
Well, we did it, and what a blessing it was. Overall, there was little complaining from Alex and Blake about it. They seemed to be amazed at the amount of people they came across and the amount of money that filled the pails. Did all give, no, some that looked liked they could have, walked on by. The ones who looked as if they had little were the givers many times. We compared them to the lady in the Bible who gave all she had. When we needed motivation, we didn't have to think long. Mrs. Hadley made sure to tell us that the average age of a homeless person is 9 years old. Nine years old?? Every blister, every sore muscle, was worth thinking about some 9 year old child having shelter, food, and maybe some small gift this Christmas. We also learned that because of people ringing the bells, over 1,440 kids and over 600 families had been helped this year. Their goal was to reach $100,000.00 this year. Please help us in prayng that they do, and if you get the chance, take time out to ring the bell with your kids, you couldn't ask for a better lesson in giving, and the true spirit of Christmas.
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Merry Christmas Everyone
God Bless You and Yours!
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Day turned into night, but it was all worth it if we made a difference in someone's life.
