Christmas Gifts

     Through the years I have received many wonderful gifts. As a child Santa left me a really cool Barbie RV. I really enjoyed taking Barbie, Ken and Skipper on imaginative camping trips. In third grade Santa brought me a red and white flowered bedspread. In fifth grade my Dad got me my first 10 speed bike (a big step up from the purple banana seat one I had). My Dad has shared with me the story of how one year he went to every store, both near and far, to find the highly- in-demand, pop- up tree house play set I had asked for.  I know what this frantic search for the perfect gift feels like. One year I wanted to get my son the Little Tykes climbing structure for Christmas. I checked with all the stores around and finally located one quite a distance from home. I drove there to pick it up, full of satisfaction at a mission accomplished. All of these gifts are a wonderful symbol of the love and thought behind them.

     Today I received a different kind of gift. It is the gift of peace and joy that come as I step out of myself and look to the needs of someone I don't even know. Today at church there was a guest speaker who shared about the extreme hardships all around the world. From what I see, these hardships begin even in our own neighborhoods. As I got in my car after service, I took some money out of my wallet with the intention of giving it away. I knew God would place someone in my path that could really use it. I went to a nearby coffee shop to get myself a treat. As I was exiting the parking lot I saw a man standing at the exit. I had seen him there before. I had also seen him at church before.  As I was approaching him, I rolled down my window. He came toward the car as he saw me leaning over to talk to him. As I handed him the money, I said, “Hello sir, I’d like to buy you lunch today”. He was so gracious as he thanked me. We introduced ourselves. He asked me if I was a spiritual person. Remembering that I had seen him at church I told him yes, that I was a Christian. I let him know that I had seen him at Calvary. He told me that he usually sits outside of the sanctuary and watches it from the T.V. screens because he knows that it makes some people uncomfortable to see him inside. He knows they judge him and think he must be a boozer. He doesn’t blame them, but it is not the truth. He used to work on Wall Street, but something happened and now he is on the streets asking for help. He commented on how much he enjoys the teachings at Calvary. He said it really helps him dive deeper in his understanding of scripture. He referenced the teaching on Joseph, which was today’s teaching. So I knew he had just come from church.  He told me he grew up a Jewish boy and had become a Christian. As a boy he moved here from Europe. It was because of the Boy Scouts that he accepted Jesus. God had also placed Christian women in his life to lead him on the path to Jesus. God places people and circumstances in our lives to guide us to Him. He said he knows God has a purpose for everything and he had asked God why he was standing here on the corner. God told him it was to learn humility. He said God had a reason for me stopping that day; to help him out, but mostly just to talk to him. I told him it was also so he would recognize a friendly face at church. He has a girlfriend who is dealing with some health issues. She is not a believer, but he is hoping. He knows God is the one to change her. I told him that his job is to pray and that God will handle the inside job. I told him I will be praying for her as well. I was pulled over to the side of the lane, out of the way of traffic with plenty of room for people to go around me. One man though, must have thought we were still in his way. He gave a little honk. I leaned out my window and gestured for him to go around. I was in the middle of a conversation with a wonderful person. I look forward to seeing him again. God calls us to go out of our comfort zone and bless each other; which usually results in our own blessing. So that was the wonderful gift I received today. It is not for us to judge, only to love; in Jesus’ name.

Mark 9:41

 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.