My Little Angels

Last week during a conversation about Christmas and those less fortunate the kids decided they wanted to shop for the Angel Tree. We talked about it for a while and decided that we would pick a child and everyone would pick out their own gift for them. The kids all agreed that what they picked out would replace one of their own gifts as we would be using money out of our Christmas budget to buy the gifts. I actually thought the kids would change their mind when they knew their participation would mean less for them to open on Christmas morning, but as usual they surprised me. To them it meant they were actually giving the gift-not just picking something out with Mom and Dad's money. When we got to the table to sign out our angel we were struck by the number still waiting to be embraced. It was Sunday, about 2:30pm. The deadline was only 31/2 hours away. I wish we could have done more, but we decided to pick two.



Kimberly and Garrett picked out a boy (I think he is 10) and Lindsay and Cynthia a 15 year old girl. They were given a budget for clothes and a separate budget for toys. Then Robby and I just followed their lead. They did an excellent job of stretching their dollars as far as possible and the look of satisfaction on their faces when they placed their items in the white plastic bag was immeasurable. I firmly believe that one of the greatest lessons we can teach our kids is compassion for others and giving of yourself to those who have less. The kids included their angel in their bedtime prayers and we plan to stop Christmas morning and think about them and their family and pray that their needs are met. Who knows. Maybe God will use the kids few gifts as He did the young boy's bread and fish that became enough to feed the multitude.



I thank God for opening our eyes to the need around us and providing for our family in a way that allows us to experience the joy of giving to others. I thank Him for reminding us of His redeeming grace. And I thank Him for guiding our actions by tugging on the heartstrings of my little angels.