- December 14, 2008
- 17 Comments
- General, Mental Pause, Parenting/Family
All I want for Christmas
My friend D… recently wrote a post titled “Peace”. *waiting for you to read her post* … In it she gives 2 Christmas lists from 2 different boys in one of the classes she works with.
This year is a hard one for many people. Honestly, in the history of “bad years”, I am thankful it is not the worst (yet?) – in my lifetime nor in recent history for that matter. But what D…’s post reminds me of the most is the broken hearted. While our nation struggles with a growing financial crisis, people are still struggling with broken hearts and broken relationships. Money or no money… there has always been loneliness, sorrow, mourning, emotional & physical pain… It is sometimes harder to see the effects of the broken-hearted than the effects of poverty.
If we look closely, the desires of the boy in that second list – really, 3 out of 5 – has to do with relationship. Him wanting a dog is even more significant in the light of #4… This makes my heart ache. I’m pretty sure it would make my heart ache even if I wasn’t a mom. And you know what? If #4 was in place, I am certain “a better life” would not have ever crossed his mind.
I know it would be easy to arrange to get a bike for this boy (my son’s age, by the way). If all the commenters on my last few posts donated a teensy $5 each, we could get that boy a bike – even several pairs of shoes. However, we all know that’s not the issue here. We all know that is not what we want for him the most, and we all know that is not truly his #1 hope. His joy needs to be fulfilled… his heart needs to be un-broken.
As we pop coins in the Salvation Army pot, maybe donate a turkey and canned goods to our local food banks… let’s not forget the broken-hearted. They are harder to see, but I am pretty sure if we slow down a bit and taken a moment to really listen… really watch our community – we’d all be pretty surprised.
I have no solutions. Perhaps it will be our little efforts collectively. Maybe a smile instead of an impatient grimace… A few extra minutes of genuine interest while the old man who talks too much in line — talks too much in line (because he is lonely)… Maybe it is, in fact, a pair of shoes for a child… Hold back judgement… Give grace… I am amazed at how one sour word or look can change MY day… Imagine the impact of even a brief moment of sincere goodness on a broken-heart — child or adult. It all trickles down.
Thank you, D… for sharing and giving me pause – especially in a season when I feel there is no time to do such things.
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17 Responses to “All I want for Christmas”
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What a heartfelt post, Jenny. Thank you.
This year was one of the hardest we’ve had, because we lost someone very dear to us. He was only 44. So, I sympathize with those who are hurting this Christmas.
Extending grace is something that truly can, I think, make a difference in people’s lives.
This is hits so close to home you don’t even know it. In fact, I could envision Jay writing something like that but instead of mom, insert Sissy. Christmas is definitely going to be a tough one this year both in financially & emotionally. I just hope Jay understands that it doesn’t so much mean she was a “bad” girl.
Peace & joy to all.
That was beautiful. You have a way with words, Jenny!
Now that you have made us all cry…. maybe you can give us a laugh or two? We ALL need the Humor of JennyontheSpot!
I must have exchanged 10 emails with D over that post. It really hit me hard. She is so wonderful though – she and another woman are giving that little boy a stuffed dog and she assures me he is having his basic physical needs taken care of it. It was such a gut wrenching post, wasn’t it? And of course I wanted to track down the parents of the first boy and flog them. What are they creating?
Amen. What a touching post and you are so on target with your comments. There are broken hearts everywhere that Ipods and bikes can’t fix. I so agree with your suggestions on the little ways each of us can make a difference in another’s life. I read somewhere recently that just witnessing another person being kind to another (just witnessing the act) creates brain chemicals in the observer that not only improve his/her day but lead to other “random acts of kindness”. Pass it on. Pay if forward. Whatever, just do it! Great post.
Lovely thoughts. I will definitely keep this post in mind when I’m grumbling about something unimportant – share the love.
So true Jenny. I have so much to be thankful for. It’s definitely a year to pay it forward.
Awww. You are tugging at my heart strings, girl.
I think this post was beautiful and so honest. We are trying hard as a family to make a bigger difference this year in our community. It is easy to smile instead of look the other way at those less fortunate. However, I think our never ending struggle is to instill a sense of responsibility to the larger community in our children. How do you develop empathy in children when they live in a neighborhood with people just like them, go to school with people like them and think that everyone has the opportunities they have? We just keep plugging along and hope that we are making a difference. Thanks for another thought provoking post.
Jenny – you are such an amazing writer with such a tender heart. You have to add this post to all the reasons you are so fabulous – not just the glitz, glitter and glamour, but the heart is what makes you so amazing!!
Well said, Jenny. We can never be reminded too much of true needs that people around us have…especially the unseen ones. Its a year round truth!
OOPS…my comment went on Karen Carpenter’s …..Of Whom I have most of her albums….by the way!!!! I totally loved the Carpenters…and actually saw their home, and they totally had their own recording studio in the basement!!!! In Covena, California, when I was 16…..!!!!! Wow~!!!!!! I was such a grateful teenage GIRL…..who LOVED the CARPENTERS….locked myself in my bedroom and belted out their tunes at the top of my lungs!!!!!! Oh, my….
Please just switch these 2 comments around….my one for the 2 different Christmas lists, and the Carpenters….
I am after all your OLD Auntie Robin….but, Hey…NOT THAT OLD!!!!
Thanks for the reminder, Jenny.
Being tenderhearted is a good thing. I hope my children are learning to be tenderhearted in seeing (and helping to meet) the needs of others and not stoic and selfish. I was just starting a post on humbleness and I think being tenderhearted goes hand in hand with that.
Yes. Just Yes.
Sweet Jenny. Thank you so much for highlighting my post and expanding on it. You said exactly what I was thinking so eloquently. More importantly, thank you for caring.
And, yes, the boy will be getting a dog named Cocoa. It won’t be real, but we are hoping it’s something to bring him comfort. And I’m praying that he sees his mom. I’m not sure what that situation is so I’m pray it’s something that can happen. God’s will be done.
I’m touched and honored. Thank you again.
You are grace w/ words, beauty w/ care and joy w/ love girl!
This post is why I am at the school so much. If I could be there every day I so would! Those children are my heart, and yes when you pause you do see the ones who are hurting in ways that they are much to young for.
For everyone who reads this, remember hugs do not cost any money and yet they can be a wellspring of blessing to the receiver.
I cried when I read that on D…’s blog. I want to adopt that little boy and give him everything wonderful. Including the dog named Cocoa.