Saturday, December 11, 2010

The Joy Of Giving Is Expecting Nothing Back In Return.

I was an elf this morning.  In the briefness of my elfhood I was privileged to witness a few Christmas miracles.  The occasions of anonymity I saw humans who were humbled and awe struck with gratitude.  As difficult as it is to see people who never before have been in a state of needed help; it is spirit filling at this season of Christmas that lessons of sharing and caring present.  Cars filled to the brim, some needing to make several trips to transport all the collected goods.  It warms the soul.  Fills the heart.    

Adopt-a-Family.    

There is always that one.  The mom who not long ago told their child that Christmas would not grace the home this year.  When presented with a bag of wrapped gifts, a second bag heaped with the treats for a perfect Christmas stocking, an envelope with gift cards, along with a few other neccessaries....   That one receiver who is thankful to tears.  Whose gratitude hardly needs words because it is seen in the eyes and is the one who cannot stop saying "thank you".      

It's that one that makes the job--worth it!
 
So when I made a quick run to Walgreens, the wind whipping and the air with its frigid bite...I scrapped every last bit of loose change from the bottom of my purse dropping it in the red kettle.  I usually grab whatever change I can, no digging, just a fast grab.  Tonight though I decided with my heart filled with the day's memory that I couldn't just make it a fast grab.  Sometimes...

The joy of giving is expecting nothing back in return.

4 comments:

Sue and Doug said...

what a great statement..love it!!!

ThE MidLiFe CrUiSeR said...

Wow, Jodi! This really was a beautiful post. It's humbling and really means a lot...especially this time of year when so many are struggling. I know from experience how hard it is to be a kid, and to wish for something so hard, and know there's no money for it, and to not even ask. You've inspired me...thank you!

Nellie
http://midlifecruiser.blogspot.com
(36 year old fulltime RVer living la vida loca with a cute-butt husband and a stink-butt dog!)

Lin said...

I'm sure there are far too many in that situation this year. I work in HR and process the 401 loans and disbursements. I'm not kidding when I tell you that I am processing 3 and 4 a DAY. I don't know what the loans are for, but I have a feeling it's to make Christmas nice for their kids even though they don't have it. Sad times for too many folks. It's nice of you to be so generous.

JODI said...

Ladies- it is an annual experience that is truly filling.