I have had a really good last couple of weeks. They have been stressful, but I feel that it was all worth my trouble. Everyone had a nice time at the corporate events I've worked so hard at and best of all, we finished up the Christmas for Families program at work today.
I was able to take some gifts to one of the five families in need yesterday. She was a single mom with a five year old son and a three year old daughter living at a local women's shelter. She was also nine months pregnant. It felt so good to be able to hand over bicycles, clothing, and toys for her and her children. A coworker and friend of mine, Savanna, delivered to a local family in need today whose story was absolutely touching. The mother was single and was recovering from major brain surgery. She said she was faced with the decision of paying the electric bill or having Christmas. Her two daughters, ages seven and ten, had written a letter to Santa and didn't ask for a single toy, but just to make their mom better. It is amazing what children can teach us. These little girls were so humble and wise beyond their years.
This Holiday season, I am grateful for so many things. I don't know what it is like to go without anything. I am blessed so, so very much. I am finding myself wondering what I have done in my life to deserve all I have. I am also grateful that I have been able to lend a hand in helping these families. Their stories touched my heart. I think it is absolutely necessary to have experiences like that to put things in our lives in perspective. Christmas is about being thankful for what we have, remembering the birth of our Lord, and loving our family and friends. That's it. Gifts are not important.
I heard one of my most favorite songs on the radio yesterday morning for the first time this season. It always touches my heart. I think it explains Christmas in a raw and beautiful way that I can relate to. It is the Christmas Song by Dave Matthews Band and it goes like this:
She was his girl; he was her boyfriend
She be his wife; take him as her husband
A surprise on the way, any day, any day
One healthy little giggling dribbling baby boy
The wise men came three made their way
To shower him with love
While he lay in the hay
Shower him with love love love
Love love is all around
Not very much of his childhood was known
Kept his mother Mary worried
Always out on his own
He met another Mary for a reasonable fee, less than
Reputable as known to be
His heart was full of love love love
Love love is all around
When Jesus Christ was nailed to the his tree
Said "oh, Daddy-o I can see how it all soon will be
I came to she'd a little light on this darkening scene
Instead I fear I spill the blood of my children all around"
The blood of our children all around
So the story goes, so I'm told
The people he knew were
Less than golden hearted
Gamblers and robbers
Drinkers and jokers, all soul searchers
Like you and me
Rumors insisted he soon would be
For his deviations
Taken into custody by the authorities
Less informed than he
Drinkers and jokers all soul searchers
Searching for love love love
Love love is all around
Preparations were made
For his celebration day
He said "eat this bread and think of it as me Drink this wine and dream it will be
The blood of our children all around
Father up above, why in all this anger have you fill
Me up with love
Fill me up with love love love
The blood of our children all around
No comments:
Post a Comment