Within the last week I have experienced several things which have greatly warmed my heart. To begin with the movie at the gym cinema where I work out was,” The Goonies”. I haven’t seen this movie for so many years that it was almost like old home week for me. I remembered when my boys and I watched in amazement as they chased after Chester Copperpot, One Eyed Willie, and the treasure that no one had been able to find for many years. I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. It put me in a good mood all morning long. My boys are all over 30 years old and on their own now, but for the time I was watching that movie, I felt we were all snuggled up on the couch together so many years ago where I took turns tickling their backs one at a time. I just felt warm and happy all over.
I am sure that by now most of you have heard about the “layaway angels” who have been going to Kmart and paying down the balances of people who have fallen behind on their payments. I first heard about this on the news. Then my son forwarded me the actual article from the Associated Press which shared many actual details. I am quoting now directly from this article:
“The young father stood in line at the KMART layaway counter wearing dirty clothes and worn out boots. With him were three small children. He asked to pay something on his bill because he knew he wouldn’t be able to afford it all before Christmas. Then a mysterious woman stepped up to the counter. “She told him,” No, I am paying for it, ’” recalled Edna Deppe, the assistant manager in the store in Indianapolis. “He just stood there and looked at her and then looked at me and asked if this was a joke. I told him it wasn’t, and that she was going to pay for him. And he just busted out in tears.”
There were many more stories about single mothers and others who had no way to provide Christmas for their children. One lady said, “ It might have been only $50, but to us it might as well be a million.” One lady donated anonymously saying just to “Remember Ben,” her husband who had died very recently….and the list goes on. I find it heartwarming not only that this happened in several states, but the fact that it got so much media attention. This is one case where copy catting is a good thing! It is a win-win situation for everyone….Givers, receivers and those who witness all of these kind acts. Those running the stores say they have never seen anything like it. Once again, I found my self so happy just because this story made me feel that way.
Lastly, my father told me about something that happened at their home in St. George just last week. My mother is in the last stages of Multiple Myeloma, Cancer of the bone marrow. She has (and continues) to put up a brave fight, although the progress is slow and painful. On Friday night a group of carolers came to my parent’s home. They were dressed in period clothes with top hats, scarves, hand muffs and all the rest. This was a surprise to my mother although my father had been called by his bishop to let him know they were coming. They had just finished giving a concert and then split up to visit a few homes in the area. They were well aware that this may be my mom’s last Christmas. As they entered, they sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” complete with bells and everything. My mother was so surprised and thrilled. They then asked my father to sit beside my mother as they sang several other Christmas Carols. Daddy told me that as they sang, one young woman in the front row simply could not hold the tears back. She sobbed on her husband’s shoulder as they sang. We all know the spirit is very strong in their home and we suspect that those on the other side are very close at this time. As my father shared this story with me I found myself overtaken by tears not only because I know my mother’s time is close, but also because these wonderful singers took time from their very busy schedules to help what may be my mothers last Christmas season filled with happy memories.
I am thankful for each of these events that brought such joy to my life. But I am most grateful of all for Jesus Christ; For His birth, His mission and His effect on each and every one of us who believe in Him and invite Him to be an active force in our lives.
Kathy Christensen
Survivor, Member of Lifting Hearts
No comments:
Post a Comment