Tonight we had some time to knock out a few more acts of kindness. I was really looking forward to this evening. I'm not sure if it's because of the COVID changes or just the simple busyness of the season or maybe it's because I'm an adult now and am responsible for creating that magic rather than just experiencing it, but I have really struggled to connect with Christmas this year. Jonas wakes up each morning and runs to his calendar to cross off another day as he keeps track of how close we are to Christmas. Sometimes I envy his excitement. However tonight, I started to feel a little of that excitement too. Christmas is different as an adult. I realize more that the true meaning of the season isn't about all the commercialized aspects, but it's who we celebrate and how we choose to act more like Him that brings about the magic. As we did these small acts, I felt His spirit of Christmas permeate my heart. I felt inspired to include Him more in my thoughts, rather than just checking off boxes on our Christmas traditions list. I decided to remember the reasons we have created those traditions and to focus on that. It made the execution of these acts tonight feel more meaningful. First, we gathered several non-perishable food items to donate to our local food box by our city building. I drive by this box often - sometimes twice a day or more. I will notice that it is full in the morning, but by afternoon/evening, the box is near empty. There are so many people in our community who rely on that box to supplement their meals, even more so with the job losses or restrictions because of the pandemic. I thought about those people as we filled the box this evening. I pray that this alleviates some of the stress and worry for parents and children in need.
Next up, we made a quick stop at the local laundromat. Again, so many people are living on limited income so even a free load of laundry can come as a welcome act of kindness.
After the laundromat, we headed to the Dollar Store. I enjoy watching the boys pick which items to tape their dollar bills to. I'm grateful for the thought they demonstrate as they do so. They will pick the toys for the kids or food/hygiene items for the adults. I appreciate that these activities aren't a box their checking off either. I love that they really engage in the process.
Many of our acts are anonymous. We hardly ever get to see the reactions of people; I think that's why I enjoy the Walmart gift card act of kindness so much. After the Dollar Store, we headed into Walmart armed with two gift cards and a prayer in our hearts. Jonas chose to go with Jeff so I stuck with Danny as we split up to locate two individuals or families that we felt could best use our gift. Again, I am grateful that this isn't a quick task. I'm grateful that the boys take their time to walk around and really try to follow the prompting they received. Jeff said that Jonas identified a young adult male early on; however, Jonas wanted to be sure so he kept wandering around looking at all the other people. Still, Jonas related that "Jesus kept telling" him that the original young man should be the recipient of the card. Jeff said he kept watching him and would inevitably keep running into him until he finally had the courage to deliver the gift. Danny and I didn't immediately identify anyone. We walked around the store a couple of times before we finally saw a younger mother with her four children and what we assumed was her mother. I noticed that this woman didn't have a ring on her finger. I could only assume that she was a single mom perhaps living with her own mother. She seemed to have only the essentials in her cart - no toys, no treats. Danny approached this lady and handed her the gift card. She was in disbelief at first, but when the reality of the act of kindness set in, I could see tears well up in her eyes as we wished her a Merry Christmas and walked away.
I reflected on that act as we went home to watch the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional and decorate sugar cookies. As I listened to the messages (and enjoyed yummy, sugary goodness with my boys), I thought about how I often stand in disbelief of the gift of our Savior; yet, when the reality sets in, I too am left with tears as I realize what His gift means for me. He is truly the reason to celebrate. With His birth, He gives us life. He provides a way for us to be forgiven. He loves our efforts even when we feel we continually fall short of perfection. He is merciful, loving, kind, patient...and so much more. I feel a sense of safety when I think of Him. I know I am not perfect. I know there should be reasons that I am undeserving of His gift, but He doesn't think so. He loves me...in all my faults and weaknesses. That is the gift of this season. That is what I choose to find in our traditions and activities leading up to Christmas. That is where I will find the magic.
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