GIVING

I had the experience this morning of observing The Grandbaby's program at her elementary school....officially called The Giving Tree Program.  Children had been asked a few weeks prior to bring in unused toys for a local organization that would disburse the gifts to those who were needy.  The representative who was at the program explained it to the children that the parents of the children these gifts would go to would be using their money to pay for housing, food, utilities and such, thus leaving little to no money for gifts for their children.  I was thinking how that might be hard for some children to grasp, not so hard for some others.

The program began with the children--in this program time space--the K-2 graders marching in to their places on the gym floor.  After that, the song "Let There Be Peace on Earth" began to play while gift bag carriers from each class marched in with their class's contribution.  As these little ones marched in....not carrying little pretty gift bags but barely lifting heavy trash bag type bags and some even pushing bicycles, water started coming from my eyes and I could not help it.  

The children, led by a fabulous music teacher, then gave some songs very mightily.  It was a beautiful sight to see and hear.  After many many many events in my own school past and then being a very active volunteer at all three of The Girl's schools through the years, I can truthfully say I had never seen an event like it.   Blessed.

As all were dismissed we were able to say hello to The Grandbaby who, happily, still loves to hug.  And yes, now The Grandbaby can sing that song, "All I Want For Christmas is my Two Front Teeth".  :)

The morning gave me thought of how blessed we are to be able to give, not only at Christmas but every single day.  Not only monetary store bought gifts but other gifts of the heart.  My goodness, I even realized how many opportunities I miss to give such to others simply by my busyness and my thoughts on other things.  

As I close this post on this blessed day, I wish you gifts both given by you and to you.  Gifts that matter.  Gifts of the heart.  

Consider....