50bucks
My daughter Leslie was in the eighth grade, so I was very surprised when one day at breakfast she said:
“Mom, I know you don’t have a job and money is tight. You don't have to buy me a present for Christmas. Here you get a job before my birthday, then we'll come up with something special.
“Thanks honey, great idea,” I said, and hugged her.
Then I quickly cleared the table and turned to the sink so she wouldn't see my tears. I was eventually able to pull myself together and drive her to school, but as soon as she slammed the car door, I broke into sobs.
Such a good child deserves a wonderful Moscow! I shouted. - God, if I had even fifty extra dollars, I would buy her gifts ...
That evening, Leslie and I went to church. She went to her youth group meeting, and I went to the chapel where the adult service was being held. Halfway into the lobby, I decided I wasn't in the mood for instructions like "look back at the joy around you." Turning around, I walked back and ran into my friend Jody at the door. She grabbed my hand
- Where are you going?
"Home," I replied curtly.
- Why? she wondered.
“Because I don't want to hear how wonderful Christmas is,” I explained.
“I understand,” she nodded. I don't want to hear about it either. But maybe that's why we both should go there? Come on, will you stay and sit next to me? Let's hide on the balcony and hate Christmas together while nobody sees.
I agreed. We were like two schoolgirls planning a prank in Sunday school. I took Jody's arm and we went upstairs.
As I listened to Bible verses about the birth of our Savior, my anger gradually subsided. I thought about how many years ago the angels announced the good news, and this made me feel calm. After all, Christmas is always full of joy and hope for the future, whether there are gifts under the tree or not. I was grateful to Jody for persuading me to stay.
As I reached for my jacket, Jody took my hand again.
“Take it, please,” she said, handing me a folded piece of paper. But don't pay your bills. Spend them on gifts for your daughter.
It was a check for fifty dollars. The symbolism of this amount struck me. Again I felt my eyes fill with tears. I didn't tell Jody about my desperate morning prayer. God answered her. He cared about all the foolish desires of my heart.
“But I don’t know when I can repay the debt,” I muttered.
"And you don't have to return it," Jody said. “When you get back on your feet, do the same for someone else, that's all.
- I'll do it! I exclaimed and hastily added, “Thank you very much.
We went downstairs in silence. I hugged her when we went outside, thanked her again, and we said goodbye. The wonderful service and timely generosity of Jody lifted a heavy burden from my heart. I was again in the joyful anticipation of the holiday.
On Christmas Eve, a cardboard box appeared on my doorstep. Inside was a huge turkey and plenty of side dishes for a hearty dinner, and some other food for breakfast and lunch. There were even desserts. Leslie gasped in admiration as we pulled more and more treats out of the box. When it was empty, our entire dining table was full of food.
Where are we supposed to put all this? Leslie asked.
“We won’t eat it,” I agreed.
A turkey won't even fit in a fridge! Leslie exclaimed.
We looked at each other and knew what to do. Almost at the same time we said:
Let's give it all!
We knew one large family, which also suffered from unemployment and lack of money. We repacked the box, added some of our supplies, and put on top the whole bag of chocolates that had been sent to us the day before.
- I have an idea! Leslie ran to her room and returned with a couple of soft toys, a few figurines and a board game.
“For kids,” she explained, placing them on top of the food.
We wrapped the box with cling film and attached multi-colored bows. Then we carefully carried her to the car and drove to another house.
"Would you like to drive a little and wait for me?" Leslie asked.
A few minutes later, out of breath, she jumped into the car.
- It turned out great! I rang the doorbell and ran away.
We laughed all the way home at our "box run." When the laughter died down, we made cocoa and discussed how great it was to give away food. Finally Leslie went to bed.
I laid out a modest pile of multi-colored gifts under an artificial Christmas tree, which seemed quite dull a week ago. How beautiful she is now! I then stuffed Leslie's Christmas sock with the little things I got from my parents. My mother packed every knick-knack neatly and refused to even hint to me what's inside. “You see,” she said, “Christmas should surprise even adults!”
How right, mom! How true!