The Thanksgiving dishes are still in the sink. Breakfast consists of leftover desserts and cold turkey. Everyone is in their pajamas and then the transition happens.
The big shopping day has arrived. Christmas lists are flying about through email. Little children are looking through toy ads saying, "I want this and that," as parents giggle to themselves remembering the days of old of doing the same. The cars are heading out to the stores or Starbucks in the wee hours of the morning. Websites are being compared for the best prices. Today the sun is shining - it's a beautiful day in most of the country.
Then you hear the familiar bell of the Salvation Army that reminds us of the poor in our country. The Marines Toy drive, the Legions toy drive and coat drive, the food pantries needing restocking, project Angel Tree for the children of those in prison and hundreds of other ministries doing the work of the Lord around the world.
There's people like me who are disabled and have extremely limited resources but have things in my house to give. I've brought usable items to Good Will, given a dollar to the Salvation Army and when I'm asked if or what I need from a friend, I'm very specific. Don't be embarrassed to let your needs be known. God wants us to take care of one another. He wants us to give out of our abundance to those who can use what we have in bounty. I plan to give away two coats to a coat drive and a new coloring book with crayons. You see, it's not the size of the gift that makes the gift special. It's the thought of the gift that makes the recipient feel special and loved by God.
Think of the person who delivers your mail and picks up your garbage each week. A gift card would be perfect for them. And remember.....no gift goes unnoticed by our Heavenly Father who sees it done in secret!!
