As the weather starts to get colder (who am I kidding…starts? Its down right frigid!) and the gentle snow has already graced us with its presence my darling 3 yr old jumps with delight in our living room “Santa is coming”. Listen Mama the reindeer are on our roof. (Mom and Dad smile) We have not said anything to her about reindeer, but she is running with it. In an effort to sway her imagination to some more concrete happenings in our world at this present time I am really trying to teach her about giving “Thanks” I might add this is a hard one for a 3yr old to learn. Heck, who am I kidding it is hard for adults. Adults are very easily distracted by the must haves, gotta have it, need more society we live in. However, I have found this year for what ever reason it is much easier to be “Thankful”. Thankful for my husband, my children, my home, our health, great family, and wonderful friends. So with that said here I wanted to share a recent story with you;
The other day I was driving to get a coffee….”mamas special coffee” as A would say. When I went to exit the expressway there sat a homeless man whom I have seen many times before. Sitting with his sign “homeless, hungry, please help” Many don’t know this side of me but many years ago I did a mission trip to Haiti which forever changed me. Ever since I have never really found another way in my life to give back or give more than I did at that time. Well, what ever the reason that poor man has really touched me in the same way as the orphans in Haiti! I can’t seem to shake the thought of that man sitting there as I go to buy/spoil myself with a fancy coffee. My point: there are lots of people today that need help right in your own back yard. So my new mission is to try in some small way to help, and lucky for my little ones they are coming on this mission! Today I think we are going to make the homeless man a lunch and stick it out the window as a start (I have seen many people hand him $ and one time I saw 2 teenagers give a homeless man sitting on the same corner their left over Burger King…very touching.)
So this upcoming holiday season I encourage you and your families to think a little about what things you might be able to help others in your own backyard (gift baskets, donate clothes, visit a hospital, or even a nursing home) We do not have a lot to give financially in our home but Im sure what little things we can do/provide for someone else may just mean the world to him or her. Be thankful for the things you have and give to those who maybe searching for a ray of hope!