Sunday, December 12, 2010

A Christmas to remember. . .

I was an older teenager when I happened to meet a family who seemingly had nothing for Christmas. I visited their humble home and noticed no tree, no presents, no sign of Christmas at all. I found out that this family had no money for presents or a tree, and so when I left their home, I told my momma about their inability to purchase a tree or presents. She suggested that I call the Sunday School classes at our church to see if they might want to help out. And so, I began to call each teacher. Before I knew it, I had a tree complete with decorations, clothing, shoes, toys for the children. Everything that was needed to make for a merry Christmas time for these folks. My car was loaded down as I drove up to their home. I will never forget the expression on their faces as I was able to help make their holiday a little brighter. But you see, they weren't the ones being blessed the most, I was. As the years have gone by, I realize more than ever what it means when I hear: "It is more blessed to give than receive." I am counting my blessings this time of the year for I have been so richly blessed. I am wishing a blessed holiday season for each of you, my friends. Sometimes the greatest gifts we can give someone is a hug, a smile, a greeting. Life is short. . . love unconditionally, laugh at every opportunity, and forgive quickly.

23 comments:

Rebecca Nelson said...

What a precious story. The true meaning of Christmas. I love it.

Yesterday I was in a store and witnessed a woman spewing more nastiness to the cashier than I can even say. All I could think of was how sad God must be when He sees His children, the ones He gave EVERYTHING FOR, act terrible to someone just because they have to wait in line for longer than expected.

My hubby said to the lady "Excuse me...don't mind if you go ahead me! This little girl waiting on us all is doing the best she can and I think she deserves our kindness!" I as smiling SO BIG on the inside as I watched the hateful woman slink away with embarrassment.

Merry Christmas to your girlfriend. I pray this finds you happy and well.

Love to you~

Rebecca

Shirley said...

Hi Vicki, I am catching up on my blog reading in blogland this cold snowy afternoon. We have had such high winds in our area, but thankful that the heavy snow did not come with it. Just the cold. Your post is so heartwarming and there are so many like that who don't want to ask for help. We have so many unemployed with families. I enjoyed the previous post of seeing your family. Don't they grow up so very fast. Take care Your Missouri Friend.

Josefa Vélez said...

FELIZ SEMANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BESOS

lilian lopez said...

Hello Vicki! I like your post very much, I know this Christmas time is special for our feelings,it´s a pity sometimes we forget the kindness the rest of the year,it´s true, life is very short,and the beauty of it is in every tiny detail. Have a wonderful and peaceful week. besos. Lilián.-

Julie Marie said...

Hello Vicki... what a beautiful post and how so like you to want to give more than to receive... I wish you and your family a beautiful and blessed Christmas... I always look so forward to your posts... Spring is just around the corner, and our gardens are calling to us, right?... xoxo Julie Marie

Pauline said...

Dear Vicki, thank you for sharing your heart-warming story with us. I reminds me of the chorus 'make me a blessing to someone today'. If we have a willing heart the Lord will surely uses us to be a blessing to someone. In return He will bless us greatly. Have a blessed week, my friend :o)
Hugs

Terra said...

Vicki, you are completely right that you, the giver, received even more than the family that you helped.

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Vicki,
How thoughtful and caring of you to help a family in need. I truly believe that giving is a wonderful blessing.

hugs
Sissie

Pom Pom said...

Hi Vicki!
That sounds JUST like you! You have a soft squishy heart. I wish you a wonderful and full Christmas!

Jocelyn said...

What a beautiful story Vicki. And yes it is more blessed to give then to receive. Wishing you a very blessed Christmas.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/

Debby said...

Hi Vicki, what a beautiful post you have for us today. I would far rather give than receive, so my joy in watching others. Happy Holdays!
Debby

June said...

Vicki what a lovely memory. And what a difference I am sure your kind act made in the lives of this family. Who knows but what a member of this family is writing about a teen who made a selfless gift and changed their Christmas years earlier. What we give always comes back to bless us.
hugs to you

Julie Harward said...

Thanks for sharing that...thats what it's all about isn't it?! Have a great week this week, it's almost here!!! ;D

Wendy & Megan Chamberlain said...

Dear Vicki
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. It presents the true meaning of Christmas so lost in the commercialism surrounding us at this time of the year.

Claudia said...

Indeed, that is the true meaning of Christmas. How blessed you were in helping that family. Thank you so much for sharing this story with us!

xo
Claudia

GwendolynKay said...

What a blessed post. It is so true, that it is better to give than to recieve. It is a blessing upon our souls when we do. It is nice to hear you learned that at a young age...so many of our young people today are a bit more selfish. Blessings and hugs to you!'
Gwenny

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

What a heart-warming story, Vicki! I'm sure that family never forgot your kindness and the special Christmas they had that year. Thank you for sharing with us.

Christmas blessings,
Sandi

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hello my sweet friend. What a wonderful heartwarming story. Bless you for your kind heart. This is indeed the true meaning of Christmas.

Love and Bunny hugs,
Debbie

Unknown said...

Blessing to you Vicki..I'm sure that was the best Christmas for that family too! One that would be hard to forget! God sends Angels in many ways..
Peace to you and your family,
Shirley & Cupid...

Unknown said...

Hugs to you, sweet Vicki. I/we have done this also for those that needed a bright light in their day. Makes one feel soooo good about doing this ... I know they shall never forget you.

Christmas hugs & wishes ~
TTFN ~ Marydon

Ana said...

My dear Vicki,
What a sweet and kind thing you did...Even though we might not know eachother in person I can tell your heart is just one of the sweetest, gentle and caring hearts I have ever come across. A very blessed Christmas to you my sweet friend.

Much love,
♥Ana

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Vicki, I loved reading this, it truely warmed my heart. My husband and I do what we can at Christmas to bring joy to others. In TN I found needy people among my patients and would give their names and address to my husband who called around with hampers of food for them. Hearing the thrill it gave was so good. We also picked two children to especially buy for. Now back in Australia we look forward to a warm Christmas in the local Park. We are taking Christmas to the homeless and lonely this year..and you are so right. It is more blessed to give that recieve.
Bless you.<><

Anonymous said...

Vicki, your site is beautiful...all the lovely flowers and photos. Your family is delightful and I wish a multitude of God's blessings on all of you.

Your teacups and china are so lovely! I have not had the opportunity to collect to the extent of the many wonderful ladies I've met so far, but I do enjoy all the collections I've seen. The colors you are attracted to are definitely what I've been so attracted to as of late in my life.

Thank you for letting me share in your life. I will be back to see more.

Very Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Marianne