Am I alone? I think not. Here is why I ask that. In fact, I’ll answer that with a question:
Why is it that for many of us, Christmas is a mixed blessing?
I suspect some of you are saying, “What? What in the world is Bill asking that for?” Hang in there with me.
While I will smile and laugh and be jovial, there will be those who are sad, will cry, and feel as thought their heart will break.
While I will receive some gifts (I have, after all, been very good) 🙂 there will be those who will receive nothing.
While I will hopefully spend time with family and friends, there will be those who have no family or friends and will be alone.
While I will be warm and “snug and a bug in a rug” at night, there will be those who will shiver and long for a warm bed or fire.
You get my drift now? Happy. Sad. Laughter. Tears. A mixed bag. I realize life is like that. I’m not telling you anything your don’t already know. But while I am experiencing all the good of the season, there are those who have been forgotten, are forgotten, or long for what maybe once was.
The tragedy is that I’m not really sure what to do about it. I don’t live in a big town that has a homeless population or even a home for those on the street. So let me turn it to you: what do you suggest? Do you have this same dilemma? What is your solution? I’m open for suggestions.
“Father, help me not to close my eyes to the plight of others. Give me wisdom to see with Your eyes what others need.”
You’ve brought up some pressing issues here, Bill. I think we begin by being truly grateful to God for all that He has blessed us with, and pray for all in need, and there are plenty of folks who are. We can also give $ to places like Samaritan’s purse, and volunteer in shelters or soup kitchens, although the latter was not high on my priority list during Covid. Yes, may God give us His eyes to see the needs of others.
Blessings!
I know the church has been involved in Operation Christmas Child and we offered a Thanksgiving dinner. Christmas breakfast isn’t happening this year. But we do not have shelters or soup kitchens in our little town. So I am struggling to know what to do and to see God’s plan for me. I appreciate you taking the time to answer.
There have been times where I have chosen to look the other way. To ignore the problem. I recognize there are homeless and recognize there are those in need. I also know there are many who try to take advantage of others by holding signs while carrying on a conversation on a cell phone complaining about the individual who brought groceries. The literal “beggars can’t be choosers” phrase came to mind. I have found that sometimes asking those closer to the need can often bring more than we bargained for.
I have also been guilty of thinking “What can I do to make a difference?”
The answer… Making positive contributions one life at time. I am volunteering with a local organization this weekend to deliver beds to kids that would otherwise be sleeping on floors or couches.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
https://www.shpbeds.org/
A couple men at our church started a local chapter here in Martinsville.
Another way is to adopt a family this Christmas. Our Martial Arts School did this and we all went shopping together to pick out the items
Family of 5, single mom.
Many of us contributed extra funds when we recognized that with the budget we had required making a choice between a new outfit or a small toy for the toddler or a game that a family could play together.
Love your honesty Ryan. I have to admit I very often look the other way. I also like the idea behind providing beds. That is cool. And to adopt a family as your TKD group did is admirable. That is remembering “there but for the grace of God” so many fail to remember. Thanks for the ideas.