Reality Check for the Holidays
As I was driving down the freeway last night, I came upon what I thought was a huge traffic accident. It wasn’t. It was a crime scene. A body had been dumped on the freeway. Covered only by a bit of blue cloth of some sort, it was obvious that it was a violent death. Reality check! No one in my family will be getting that call…”We’re sorry, but so-n-so was found dead on the freeway last night. murdered.” That, my dear, reminded me of how blessed I am and that all my caterwauling was for naught. I was humbled and rightfully so. My heart was full knowing my family was safe.
Today, I photographed a wedding and saw the joy of Christmases future shining in their eyes. They were envisioning the babies they’d have and the presents those kids would open….My heart was full.
At the gas station, I spent the only $7 I had on for gas. A homeless man came over and opened the door to the market for me, wishing me Merry Christmas, and then he waited by my car, insisting he’d pump the gas for me. I told him I had just spent the very last $7 and didn’t even have change to give him. He insisted I let him pump anyway. And he cleaned my windows. We talked while he did so. He’s the son of Lily Pearl and Redmond down there in Mississippi. (Wouldn’t tell me HIS name, but made sure I knew his parents’ names. His dad? 97 this year.) We continued to talk and I felt so bad having nothing to give him. He said my smile and conversation were all he needed. When he was done, I walked over and hugged him. His eyes watered a bit and his crooked, partially toothless smile got even bigger. “That’s the best Christmas gift ever! I got a chance to talk with a wonderful person and then she hugged me. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been hugged?” I wanted to cry. But he was happy and that was our moment. As I drove off, waving to my new nameless friend, my heart was full.
Another mile down the road, I saw Santa on his Harley. Waving to everyone as he drove by. Mrs Claus was having fun, too. My heart, yep, full.
God always sends us the lessons we need when we need them most.
Merry Christmas, my dear friends! May all your wishes come true and my the Heavenly Father continue to bless you!
Hope your Christmas keeps getting better and better – it sounds as if yo’ve already had a few unexpected ‘gifts’ to consider.
Comment by The Gray Monk — 2010/12/25 @ 05:00
I never wonder at the people you meet anymore, Joanie. I know it’s because you have an open, loving heart and everyone who knows what to look for can see it. You are a truly wonderful woman!
Joyous Christmas, girl! :hug:
Comment by pam — 2010/12/25 @ 07:31
♥♥
:hug:
Comment by Jan — 2010/12/25 @ 16:06
:grouphug:
Still wish I could be with the family, but I know they’re safe and happy and I’m here, warm and safe as well. Cheesy Christmas movies on while I clean the house and prepare for LD. Texting with Mojo. Could be so much worse, right?
Merry Christmas, my friends!
Comment by DaGoddess — 2010/12/25 @ 20:21
:hug:
Amen. Sometimes joy comes from unexpected quarters. And happy to hear that so many of your prayers were answered for Christmas.
Comment by diamond dave — 2010/12/27 @ 23:15
You’re so right, Dave.
And now that LD is here, I’m totally happy.
Comment by DaGoddess — 2010/12/28 @ 00:36
That’sdefinitely so. Whenever we get too arrogant the Lord reminds us how much things there are we should be grateful for! The saddest thing about it all is that we only remember it when something bad happens.
Comment by Io@Israel — 2010/12/28 @ 09:23
[…] had read about Da Goddess’s Christmas experience with a stranger. In response, I emailed her a story, and she told me I needed to blog my adventure. So, here it […]
Pingback by House of Zathras » Blog Archive » A Christmas Present — 2010/12/28 @ 20:43