The old mug was just filled with Door County White Christmas Coffee. My heart is filled with peace from above and I believe that I am ready to write.
In my search for people doing nice things for others during the Christmas Season I watched one this morning on the early news broadcast. This one especially touches my heart as it brings back a sweet memory.
Matthew 25:31-46New International Version (NIV)
The Sheep and the Goats
31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
I was listening to the morning news when a commercial came on. The ad was sponsored by several large corporations in the area where we live. These companies along with a grocery chain are asking people to donate non-perishable food and place the items in barrels at the grocery chain. The companies then have all the food distributed to food pantries. These pantries feed many people who are in need of some assistance. Our church has a small food pantry which has fed hundreds of people through the years. This act of kindness shows concern for the community and the companies collaborate resources to accomplish great things.
Why this brings back fond memories for me is this. When I was very young our family came upon hard times. I remember my mother talking with my Dad as to how bad she felt about not being able to buys us kids anything for Christmas, ( They thought I was asleep). We were eating a lot of noodles fixed 50 different ways at that time. Our protein was always fish that my grandfather had caught in the summer and some fall venison.
It was a Saturday and it was cold. I was still in my pajamas when the doorbell rang. I answered the door. A man was there with 6 or 7 other guys. They asked if my Dad was home. I closed the door in his face. I thought that they were a bunch of bill collectors or some other nasty types. My little mind had been working overtime on the what ifs. My dad moved me away from the door and opened it. He told them to come in and he talked to them by name. My dad introduced each of them to us. He knew them from the Veterans of Foreign War Post he belonged to. They went back outside and one by one, box after box they loaded our house with food. Then three ladies came in with Christmas presents for all of us. That is first and last time I saw my dad shed a tear until mom passed away many years later. My dad sat at the kitchen table with tears flowing down. One man held his shoulder and said "Merry Christmas Marine". I can still see that day, except my vision is cloudy right now because my tear ducts decided to get some exercise.
My dad taught us to give back. Over the years he and my mother always donated food for others. It is still a custom in this house. Christmas seems to bring out the best in people.
Happy Friday,
Marty
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