Santa For the Day

This morning I got up at the amazing hour of 9:00am, which is amazing for a college student on a Saturday morning. But it was sooooooooooooo worth it! I am involoved with a ministry in Marion called Realife. Realife is a program for kids k-5 in Marion to attend on Tuesday nights where there is singing, a snack, a game and a lesson. Anyway, this morning all of us Realifers met to deliver gifts to the kids. So once the all the gifts were found (long story...), sorted and packed up we headed out. I just jumped on a random van route, but I know that God has his hand in it. The first house we stopped at had a bunch of kids- cousins, siblings etc. They were really appreciative. What looked like a middle school aged girl was lying on the floor and her mom came over, sat the baby down and was like- "your daughter needs changed." That broke my heart. This child was raising a child. Wow. It reminded me of how sheltered I am...

The second house we stopped at though was where I knew that God put me on this route for a reason- it was the house of two of the girls in my small group- Autumn and Alexis!! It was so great to see them tear into their presents and be so excited. They were trying on clothes and talking a mile a minute. I was so blessed by that. I love those girls! Autumn is in remission from luekemia and has an appt on monday at the hospital. She told me that she was going to wear one of her new shirts when she went. I hope that it will comfort her... If you think about it, send up a prayer

All the other stops were great too. Mom's were so grateful and the kids were thrilled to have gifts and to see us. I wish we could have spent more time in the individual homes. I think that many of those families need so much encouragement and those kids need so much love. I was so blessed to be a part of making their Christmas a little brighter. Isn't funny how the point of the gift drive was to bless them, but I think I was blessed as much, if not more than, them. I had so many emotions. While I couldn't stop smiling and felt so fulfilled, my heart hurt for so many of those families. I guess the saying is true that you can laugh and cry at the same time!

It also made me think about how much God has blessed me with and how much I have to be thankful for. I know that it's a cliche, but in all reality I have such a hard time remembering the reason for the season. It's a time to celebrate God sending his son, and to GIVE to each other. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season I want don't forget to take some time to reflect, give thanks, and look for opportunities to bless others, and in that I know that I will be blessed as well.