Giving of Ourselves
All the children’s faces sitting in the 5th grade class were aglow with excitement. Great anticipation filled the classroom as last minute preparations were completed before their Christmas party began. A small tree in the corner of the room twinkled brightly, lighting up each handmade decoration. The tree would be given away to the name the teacher would draw after the party. There was nothing more important in the whole world than for one frail little girl’s name to be chosen as the winner of the Christmas tree. She knew the poverty of crushed dreams and few gifts received at Christmas. To be chosen, to have something she longed to have was a great need for her.She sat tightly squeezing her folded hands in her lap hoping God would hear her prayer. Her name! The teacher had called her name; she had been chosen to receive the tree as her very own. Her heart leapt with joy as she put on her thin, tattered winter coat.
"Congratulations", her friend Jane replied. "I am glad your name was drawn. I was hoping to get the tree to give to my grandma who lives by herself and can’t afford to buy a tree this year". At that moment the winner of the tree felt a need that was stronger than her own. With great humility, the little girl reached deep inside her heart for strength. "Jane, I would like to give the tree to your grandma. Could we both carry it over to her apartment after school?"
Inside the apartment Jane’s grandma proudly set the tree in the front window for everyone passing by Main Street to see. As the three of them sat in silence watching the lights twinkle on the little Christmas tree, the giver of the tree looked into the smiling face of Jane’s grandma and remembered something from Sunday school. "God freely gave us a gift in Jesus. Freely give to others and it shall be given unto you."
Sometimes we treasure our spare time so much, we forget what it means to give back what we have received. This Christmas consider giving of yourselves, of your time and talent to others. For it is in the giving of ourselves that we richly receive.
© 12/2001 Connie Asplund