Through the Eyes of a Child

One of my favorite things is watching children and their expressions of wonderment and awe as they discover the world around them. Their little faces just light up with a glow that is difficult to describe. Such was the case with a little girl named Allie who God brought into my life last night. Her family is one of many who are struggling just to make ends meet and who would have no Christmas gift under the tree without the help of others.

The person who had originally signed up for the annual "Shop with a Cop" had a last minute change and asked me to go in his place. Some people might think that my meeting Allie was by chance but I see it as a divine appointment. God brought us together on purpose. Allie's family needed to know that He was looking out for them. You see Allie's dad and mom are both unemployed and Allie has health problems.

We walked up and down the aisles choosing gifts and clothing for the young child and talked. We played with toys and read books. We rocked babies and bounced balls. We praised God for things that are and things that are not.

I can still see Allie's little face all lit up as we read her new book together, as she sang and rocked her new baby, as she picked each gift. I can also still see the relief and gratitude in the face of Allie's parents as they received God's love through a stranger.

There are so many families struggling just to put food on the table in today's economy. Companies are laying off people to keep their doors open, or they are shutting down completely. There is a great need today, This Day, to reach out an open hand to our neighbor. If you do, you will be truly blessed and see the true joy of Christmas through the eyes of a child.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 25:34-40 (NIV) 34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'