Spirit of Giving

Tonight I opened up an e-mail telling me that we had received a donation. Attached to that donation was a tender note from a very sweet lady who lost her baby ...last week. Just days before Christmas. What were you doing a week ago? Were you finishing decorating your house for Christmas? Buying gifts for your family and friends? Baking and cooking for the big day? I can't help but think of this sweet woman that while the rest of the world was caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations, she was saying hello and goodbye to her precious baby. I know for her that it seemed like the world should have just stopped. It should have paused and recognized the weight of the event she was enduring. Someone very important and precious came and changed her life and then exited so quickly while the rest of the world celebrated. My heart is so heavy in thinking about her and what she went through at this time of year. She wrote to us that the box was a "source of comfort during a very difficult time". How I hope she felt the love that our volunteers pack inside those boxes. How I hope that she felt that she was NOT alone. How I hope that she was surrounded with loved ones that were there to lift her up and support her. How I hope she knows that WE CARE about her.

I have been thinking a lot about the birth of Christ this season, but especially about His mother.....Mary. Her baby did not pass away at birth, but she knew that he was a king and that he came to save the world. She knew what His mission would be and that He would endure the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. That quiet night that He was born and she bundled Him up and held Him close makes me contemplate all that she must have been feeling. I wonder if Mary and this sweet woman who lost her baby last week didn't share similar feelings? Mary knew her baby would ultimately die, but I know she must have held him so close and felt so blessed to be His mother. I wonder if time stood still for her as it did for this mom last week? That blessed night that the Savior came He was hers to love on and adore. He would go on to set an example for the entire world, but for that ONE night, He was just hers to hold close.

This Christmas season has been so wonderful to reflect upon the gift that the Savior is to ALL of us in our lives. He died so that all mankind may live again. He is the gift to all of us including this sweet mom who lost her baby last week. This knowledge is the only comfort during such a difficult time. I am grateful for this Christmas season and the sweetness that is felt through expressions of love, hope and the spirit of giving. I am grateful for everyone's donations this past year so that we may give a gift to someone who needs it at a most difficult time. I hope that this sweet mom and all other mom's that are grieving at this time have felt that love during this Christmas season. Our hearts are full of love and compassion for you. We hope that you can feel it.