“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.” ~ Agnes M. Pahro
There is something very special about seeing the face of a person who has been given some kind of hope for the first time. I have had that experience through the years when I have seen someone who was born without a limb or who lost a limb being fitted with a prosthesis. When a person receives a new limb and considers the ability to ambulate or steady himself or herself again, there is an indescribable joy that shows on the face and in the eyes.
That is one of the reasons that I like the Make A Wish Foundation. They consider the wishes of someone who is in dire need, most likely dying, and turn the wish into a reality. While the recipient is in the midst of the long-dreamed vacation or whatever it was that was desired, there is a hope that issues forth. For a while, they do not see themselves as ill or dying. For a while, they see themselves as any other person, full of life and love and hope.
To be able to provide life and love and hope to another is a wonderful thing and something that is not all that hard to do. All we need is to listen carefully and determine how we might respond. Sure, we might not be able to provide an inclusive vacation to someone; however, we can provide other things that they desire: an understanding heart, a listening spirit, and an encompassing love.
We are often too afraid to reach out to others. We are afraid of doing something wrong or hurting them. Instead, we do something wrong and hurt them by not reaching out to them, by ignoring them. Sometimes, the best gift we can give another is our presence and our love.
We are in the Christmas Season. A time of tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future. Wrap that up and give it to someone today.
FAITH ACTION: Consider joining a ministry that will allow you to provide hope for someone in need.