The man was a recent widower. I had known he and his family for several
years and recognized them all as true people of God, always helpful in local
church work, and hearts of pure gold when it came to helping others.
Now he was alone and in his golden years. He had spent Thanksgiving with his children
and grandchildren, and was facing Christmas alone. It wasn't something that bothered him but it
really was an issue for all of those who were concerned about him. He had received countless invitations to join
other families for Christmas dinner, yet graciously declined. Those invitations were still coming on
Christmas morning, yet his phone went unanswered. Messages were left on his answering machine,
and there were some folks that even drove to his house, only to find his car
was not there, and he wasn't at home.
It was later that Christmas afternoon he was finally
located. He had returned home and was
taking a nap when his doorbell rang.
There were people concerned about him, but now relieved he was
fine. It took a while for someone to
finally ask, "Where were you? We
were concerned about you being alone today."
It took a while, but he explained to them how he had decided
to volunteer at the Salvation Army's Christmas lunch for the local homeless and
needy. He had spent the day helping to
prepare the lunch, serve the turkey and dressing, and organize the
clean-up. All that took most of the day,
and now he needed his nap!
Some of the people checking on him that day, gave him a hug
but others criticized his actions because he had visibly endorsed a religious
organization other than his own. I may
get in trouble for this, but I was on his side!
It was an easy decision for me to make, especially when I
considered other families from our church whose bellies were full or over
filled. And while I will not criticize
the idea of family gatherings and huge meals on Christmas, I had to admit, if
it were up to our church, those homeless people would not have had a Christmas
meal that day.
The memory of that Christmas returns to me each year as I
vow to do something to help those who are helping others during the holidays.
For me, that is not the time for us to become competitive over our religious
labels, but to demonstrate the love of God through us, and extending our love
for others through our individual actions.
It's all a part of the reason for the Christ-child coming into the
world. And part of our responsibility to continually show "peace on earth,
good will toward men."
<ronbwriting@gmail.com>
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