A Christmas Shopping Trip
I was in a Wal-Mart this morning searching for those obscure things my wife only wants at Christmas, like pickled brussel sprouts and essence of orange zest. Many of the people in the store looked like they were about to land at Omaha Beach. Their jaws were set, eyes with that thousand-present stare, and probably a sinking feeling that when the credit card bill comes next month, they will have to offer the bank their first-born.
Folks were packing their carts with presents, then heading to the grocery section to buy all kinds of goodies to cook for that one special day. I was only buying groceries. My wife bought her own Christmas present last night at Wal Mart- a new vacumn cleaner that I happily assembled for her today. We were already short on staples because of our move into our new, downsized home. The tab was on the dark side of two hundred dollars, which apparently dashed all my hopes for the Mercedes Gelandenwagen again this year.
Later in the afternoon, I did make a visit to my friend Mark Enix at Fountain City Jewelers for the “real” Christmas present. Dena deserves something nice. She has endured an awful year with health problems, and has been forced to retire from teaching, something she truly loves.
On my way home, I drove straight south on Broadway through town, passing by The Salvation Army and Knox Area Rescue Ministries. There they were. I would guess about two hundred people had already gathered on both sides of the street for an evening meal, and maybe a warm place to stay tonight. Some of the people were huddled beneath blankets, sitting on the sidewalk waiting for the doors to open.
It made me feel guilty about grumbling over having to go to the grocery store, and really bad about whining that this year, I haven’t bought as many presents for the kids as usual.
I am warm. I have food. And I have a nice clean place to sleep tonight. My wife and family is around to love me, and I have the faculties to love them back. Even my dogs love me, although I think in Harmony’s instance it is because I am the guy with the treats.
Our community has raised thousands of dollars to help the down-and-out and the homeless, and the impoverished in Appalachia. And still there are plenty more who need help, and even more who are right on the cusp of hunger.
So my wish for you this Christmas is this:
Lighten up. Love somebody. Be thankful for what we all have.
And that includes the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
