We often think of Christmas gifts as things, presents in all shapes and sizes, wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree.
Today I’d like to talk about another type of gift. Very personal, miraculous in nature, and priceless in value.
These gifts are born in pain and tragedy. They are not requested but instead are outcomes of life’s complex circumstances, many of which are beyond an individuals control and understanding. The following stories illustrate these gifts.
The first story began when a tornado leveled the home of a family of six a few days before Christmas, leaving nothing in its wake but rubble and memories. With no insurance and limited economic resources, the family had no place to turn. Several of the local churches pooled their resources and provided motel rooms for the family for several days until rental property could be obtained. This same caring community came together later to help the family buy and renovate a house to replace the one lost in the tragedy of the tornado. Furniture, kitchenware and other household items were donated to the family and they gradually moved ahead with their lives while sharing a sense of hope and optimism for the future. The deep caring compassion that touched them through their ordeal was passed on and multiplied as the members of this family cared for others in the community.
The next story comes from a man who lost job, family, friends and almost his life to years of alcoholism. On one cold Christmas Eve, as he lay shivering near death in the filth and squalor of an abandoned warehouse, three illegal residents heading across the border to Mexico to be with their family at Christmas stumbled upon him. They took him with them and nursed him back to health under the wing of their large, caring family. During his convalescence, he experienced for the first time in his life unconditional love. The family loved and cared for him with no regard to his past. His gratitude for their life saving efforts, both physical and psychological was so great that he stayed in this small rural village teaching Mexican children English while maintaining his sobriety and finding his soul again.
Let us all reflect on the spirit of love and care for one another at this special time of the year. Face life’s challenges and become a servant to others.
Merry Christmas.
Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 2002
Hi.
I’m an experienced Clinical Practitioner, Administrator, Professional Writer, and Lecturer.
