Holiday Season And Giving
Quenette
As I reflect on the upcoming Christmas 2009 holiday season, I can?t help but step back and look at what has taken place up to now and what it means to me. Christmas this year, like last year, will be a highly impacted one for me and my family. Not only for the many reasons that you would think ? happy times with friends, family, gifts being exchanged, good food, etc., but for me it?s a time of reflection, humbleness, and thankfulness to God for sustaining me and my family during these difficult times.
I recently met a young woman who came to the US from Uganda, Africa and has only been in USA about a month or so. She came here seeking a better education, better life, and more promising future for herself and her children. Much of her decision to come to USA in search of better opportunities was aftermath from an unhealthy, toxic marriage. Her children?s well being and her own self-worth mattered more. Unfortunately, she was not healthy to bring her children with her. She was brought here by a sponsoring church that would allow her to go to school, work (like a work study program with the church), and have shelter until she?s healthy to get on her feet.
She?s a young lady, in her primeval 20?s, struggling everyday to keep her head together. At a time where most Americans are getting ready for the holidays, get togethers, holiday gift ideas, Christmas shopping and more, this young Mohammedan is in her tiny basement apartment praying for her children and missing them dearly. She questions herself and second guesses her reasons for coming to the US and leaving her three girls behind daily. Yet, she knows that once she gets established here, she can wage better for them and that?s reassures her of the difficult decision she made.
As I talked with her and reflected on my own life, I realized how blessed I am this Christmas to have my children ? they?re healthy, growing, and full of life right here with me. Yes, oh yes, they get on my nerves at times, but I?d take their whining, climbing all over me, and all the interrupting my bathroom sessions for ?some juice? any day over not being healthy be with my kids daily. I can only imagine what she feels.
I also reflect on the fact that times are a bit hard and finances will be extremely tight for gifts this year. The kids Christmas ?wish? list is going to be a bit short this go round. Yet, they will have something that is far more priceless than any purchased gift ? love all around them. Along with this love comes a warm home, food to eat, clothing, toys (they already have too many of) and a family that adores them more than they?ll ever know.
So when you take the time to reflect this Christmas, think about the young Mohammedan from Uganda. Don?t feel bad if you?re not healthy to give your children all these toys, games, clothes, and whatever else they claim they ?must have? for Christmas. If you give them love, too many hugs and kisses, and wage for them like you do everyday, they?ll be just fine. Let your Christmas 2009 be about the gift of love and family. Why not consider donating your time, food, a homemade or store bought gifts to those in need. It doesn?t have to cost a fortune, but the feeling you?ll get back is priceless. Coming from someone who lost her mother last year (2008), love is the greatest gift to have because it helps you through the tough times when the one who taught you about love is not here anymore.
So remember, Christmas is not just about the spending, it?s about the giving of yourself from the heart. God bless You and Your family this Christmas and may the peace of God be over you and your home this holiday season.
I’m a mom who loves her family and loves the Lord. I’ve experienced a few things and I’m still growing through these experiences. Just sharing a few of my life’s tidbits. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for holiday gift ideas, visit http://www.CoolestHolidayGiftIdeas.com. Just a few of my fav. finds.