Loving and Giving - Sometimes People Amaze Me

Back on December 1, I promised myself to post daily until Christmas about either loving or giving as part of this beloved season. I have missed a few days here and there, but tonight I had to post - it covers both loving and giving.

In my senior mobile home community, a neighbor called me this afternoon and asked if I knew of any group that might donate one or two toys for a 2 year old girl. This neighbor is in worse financial stress than my own household is, and her grandchild's parents are stuck, as well.

I didn't know of a specific group, but I promised to see what I could do. Within an hour, I sent an email to six of my own friends, asking for their help.

Within the next hour, I received a phone call and one friend was already on her way over to my home to drop off some things. Her own granddaughter is now 4 and was overjoyed to help this little 2-year-old who had nothing. She donated some of her own gently used things, and even a few new ones that had never been used. My friend and her daughter bought a few things, quickly, as well.

You would not believe what they brought for this little girl. In addition to new jammies, a dress, and tights, there are stuffed toys, two dolls, a Barbie, some little activity toys with sound effects, and more. There will be enough that the family will be able to put some aside for upcoming holidays and the child's birthday, I am sure.

Add to that, another friend offered to drop off a new Teddy Bear and a new twin-size quilt.

Another friend, who isn't well off, but who wants to "pay it forward" this year, offered to help, along with their helping a family with 4 children. To this friend, I was able to say, because of the first donation, that she could stop worrying about this child, and focus instead on the family with the four little ones.

How wonderful people are, when we but open our hearts to them, and when we open our eyes to the goodness around us.

Sweet, sweet Jesus, these people are blessing others with their love and generosity simply because once, two thousand years ago, you blessed the whole world with your presence. Thank you!