Today I would like to reflect on my Salvation Army Angel Tree experience. At the beginning of the week, I went to the Angel Tree in the Hot Springs Mall, and chose four sweet Angel’s to provide Christmas presents for. My initial intent was to go pick out one or two kids to provide for, but upon arriving I noticed that there were several Angels left. My heart sunk at the thought that some may not get provided for. When I asked the Salvation Army workers how they provided for the Angels leftover, I was told that they use money donated for the Angel Tree kids to go out and provide for the remaining ones. I then decided to pick four angels to provide for.
Getting the opportunity to shop for these sweet
Angels was a life changing experience for me. I was like a kid in a candy
store, picking up toys and playing with them and trying to decide which I
thought they would like this best. Then imagining the look on their faces
on Christmas morning when they woke up. And knowing that something I did helped
bring a smile to someone else’s face. Knowing how many sweet children
there are in need breaks my heart. Growing up, I was blessed to wake up to tons
of toys from Santa every Christmas. If I had that opportunity, why shouldn't
those Angels? I want those kids to have wonderful memories of Christmas morning
just as I did.
As I have gotten older and matured, I have found
that tons of gifts from Santa are not something I need nor desire. I find more
joy in providing for others, than I do waking up to tons of presents myself.
But isn't that what the true spirit of Christmas is? Putting others
before first!
So as I head out to a local church to pass out
food baskets for Christmas I want to encourage you to go out and give to the
less fortunate this holiday season... one small act of kindness can give
someone so much love, joy, and happiness this Holiday season. There are so
many out there who don’t get a Christmas dinner or presents at all.
Through the past few years during the holidays I have volunteered at a
food shelters serving meals, volunteered at toy drives,
participated in blanket drives and shoe drives, rang the bell for the
Salvation Army, and picked angels off the angel tree. I have made it my
Christmas mission to show compassion for others put the less fortunate first.
What's your Christmas mission?
No comments:
Post a Comment