Warm Christmas Memories

Everyone has those memories of Christmas that warm hearts.

My memory happened when I was a teenager. My mom, dad, and I had just sat down at the table for Christmas dinner when a knock on the door was heard by all. My dad rose to his feet and strode to the door. As he turned the knob to open the door, he let out a hearty, boisterous "MERRY CHRISTMAS!" that would have made St. Nick jealous. The two interlopers clear their throats and muttered an uncomfortable, "Well, uh, yes." The two members of the Jehovah's Witnesses were obviously uncomfortable as my dad engaged them in conversation. My mom was getting upset as the potatoes began to assume room temperature. My dad never shied away from engaging someone on spiritual matters.

How about you? Do you have any warm Christmas memories?

My Aunt Shirley

My dad's youngest sister passed away yesterday (2/7/08). She was my aunt, obviously--that's how these things work. She was also my godmother. I grew with the strange thought that if my parents ever died, I would go live with her and my uncle. (It's odd how a child's mind works sometimes.) Nevertheless, she was special lady. My uncle retired a few years ago after pastoring for many years. My aunt was the consummate "pastor's wife" (whatever that is). My uncle called her his "prayer warrior." I know she was praying for us, and especially for my wife last year while we were dealing with my wife's medical issues. I will miss her prayers. I was glad that they came out for a visit last summer. It had been ten years since I had seen them. Now, she has found her eternal rest in the arms of the Savior she loved so dearly and served so faithfully.

My aunt Shirley, may she rest in peace.

The Joy of Service

This year, in addition to what we do at church, our family decided to serve lunch at the local community shelter on Memorial and Labor Days. The folks there told us that they often have trouble serving meals on holidays, because people do not work on those days. (Contrary to myth, people staying in shelters are not lazy bums who lie around all day. They work, but are down on their luck.) Everyone wants to serve on Thanksgiving or Christmas, but people need to eat the other 363 days each year.

Our kids love going. We usually serve hot dogs, chips, brownies, bananas and a drink. It kills our son not to be able to eat any of the hot dogs. Yesterday, our kids got to mingle with some of the people. I sent our daughter out to refill cups, and our son to replenish the chip supply. The people smiled and thanked us profusely for bringing a meal.

We go to be a blessing to those less fortunate, but I often fell that I leave more blessed. The people, for the most part, are very grateful, offering endless thanks for the food.

I challenge everyone to make this type of thing a family activity. It brings you closer as a family. Your kids will realize how truly blessed they are. You will be the hands and feet of Jesus serving humanity in a tangible way. You will be blessed. It doesn't cost that much.