The other morning I got up early to meet my friends for some coffee and waffles. The December morning had everything gray and frostbitten. As I turned the corner of my street I noticed furniture. Enough furniture to fill a front yard. It was strewn about, haphazard and broken.
I was stunned. I stopped in the middle of the street and just stared at that front yard. It was clear this family was forced out of their house. They didn't stop to look back, they just left. Their stuff tossed out into the elements.
As I drove to Waffle House I couldn't help but think of that family. Then I thought about my own family and everything I've been blessed with. Suddenly my gimpy Christmas tree with its weird-out-of-date lights seemed brilliant. My weed infested back bank seemed like a grand garden. My slow month of work seemed like no big deal. I'm sure the family from that house would love to have a slow month rather than their furniture tossed out in the yard.
It's funny what a good dose of thankfulness does to you. When you take the time to reflect on the blessings of life, your problems dim. I thought of my two daughters and my beautiful wife, what a blessing. I thought of my health and the fact that I still have a job. Blessings, all of them.
I know we are inundated with organizations asking for year-end gifts. But it is a great time to give generously. This year has been tough on a lot of people but if we learned anything we learned how to be thankful for what we have. For the things we have are the blessings of God entrusted to us to use for His glory.
As I thought more on this today I received a serendipitous email from Blake Mycoskie of TOMS Shoes. Blake wants people to give back. Sure buy a pair of shoes. Even better, buy a pair for someone you love. And while you're at it, tell people why you're doing it. Tell people that you are thankful this Christmas season. Give to give, and leave it at that.
