Shopping Off the List

Day Two-Shopping Off the List

  This was one of my favorite parts of the book.  Not just because it is about shopping, but also it is about giving.  If you have ever had the opportunity to give to someone in need or to someone that wasn't expecting and act of kindness, then you know what it's like to see that look on their face.  That moment is when the old "it's better to give than to receive" rings true.  I have always said that God won't make me a millionaire because he knows I would just give it away.
  There is nothing wrong with buying gifts for our family and friends, but during the Christmas season if we think about Advent, focus on Christ we should be driven by what he would have us do.  Matthew 25:34-40 Tells how God will one day say "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.  I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me"  Then the righteous will answer and say "When did we see you hungry and feed you, or thristy and give  you something to drink?......God will reply "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."  I am afraid that in our society we have lost focus on buying to bring joy to others and instead just want more stuff.  Ask God to show you someone in need and do something for them.   It won't take long to find someone who you can help to make Christmas a little more special for.  Unfortunately, I feel that a lot of people are worn out from those who are doing nothing to help themselves or taking advantage of charity and are less in the giving spirit than ever before.  Look in a different direction.  Is there an elderly person nearby that won't be having family visit them?  Or who could benefit from a gift of a full grocery bag?  Think outside the box, and I know you will find someone  you will want to help this Christmas. 
  I have actually been on the other end of this idea.  When I was a single parent the cop in our town pulled up to the house one night.  A million thoughts went through my head.lol  Why is he here?  Did I not pay a bill?  Is he coming to tell me something is being shut off?  No, was the answer to all of the bad thoughts.  He came in and said "I would like to know a couple things your kids would like for Christmas, some others and I will be buying for them."  I explained that we didn't need help and that they were getting plenty for Christmas.  He grinned and stated the sentence again exactly.  "I would like to know a couple things your kids would like...."  In other words, he wasn't taking "No thank you" for an answer.  So I gave him some ideas and left it at that. .Christmas Eve they carried in the gifts along with a big box that said "To Mom" on it.  What in the world?  The next morning we opened the gifts and there was a brand new microwave for us!!  Ours had gone out weeks before and I was just going to deal with not having one until I had extra money to get one (haha..extra money?!?!)  To this day, I don't know who spilled the beans or how they found out about that need.  After swallowing my pride and feeling bad that someone had done something for me, I felt very grateful.  The kids were overjoyed with the extra things they got, too! 
  Now, that things are better for us, I am always looking for a way to help others.  I have said that I have been on the receiving end of generosity way too many times not to give it back if I can.
  So while you are out getting the latest, greatest toys and games for your children, or killing yourself to get that perfect gift for someone on your list, think about someone who isn't on your list.  I would love to hear your stories and how you chose to share with someone. 

~Shortcut to the Spirit of the Season~ Finding those in need is easy.  Local malls and churches have and Angel Tree.  The Marines always collect gifts for needy children through their Toys for Tots program.