This post has nothing to do with health, or Celiac or gluten free living,
but I wanted to share with you a true story that reminds me what this time of
year is all about. This happened last Christmas, and since I still know all the
people involved I have changed their names.
Last year a few of us at my church were collecting donations to give a gift to
a couple (we shall call the wife Ruth) that do a lot for our congregation. We
collected cash from those able to give and used it to get gift cards and make a
wreath. I was surprised and touched by how much was given, but that in and of
itself is not what this story is about.
There has been a single mother that has been a member of the church long before
I moved to St. Louis,
I will call her Martha. Martha struggles with mental illness and as a result
struggles with parenting, finances, and providing for herself and her family.
Ruth goes over and above to help this family, more so than any other member of
the congregation. She does things like driving them places, providing care and
meals, and due to the mental health issues they are not always the easiest to
be around. We are all human so we can all appreciate how sometimes such a task
can wear on our emotions, patience, and even faith and Ruth was no different. She
had confided in me at one point that she was really struggling with her
patience and doing what she knew was right and best for Martha and her family.
The week before Christmas, Ruth announced in our ladies Bible class that Martha
did not have the money to purchase gifts for her children, much less food for a
Christmas meal. She asked if anyone had a few dollars to spare if so they could
have something for Christmas. Of course people stepped up and volunteered to
cover various gifts and food to ensure they didn't go without.
That very night Martha came to me, as I was collecting donations for the gift
for Ruth and her husband and handed me $6. She said this is all I have but Ruth
and her husband do so much for me I want to do something for them, I am sorry
it is not more. She did not know I knew she wasn't going to be able to buy a
meal for Christmas dinner, or even a single gift for her children, but she
recognized the love and care she received from Ruth and even though the donation
was anonymous wanted to give something back.
I was able to hold my composure until she walked away, but I was so touched
by her love and generosity it brought tears to my eyes. Knowing how Ruth's
patience had been tested in her generosity to Martha and her family I debated
whether or not I should share what Martha did. I came to the conclusion that in
this world we don't see and hear enough love and kindness and that it would
touch Ruth more than it had me, so I decided to tell her. I didn't tell her the
amount, but I told her what Martha said and that she was appreciative and
wanted to give something, even what seemed to be so insignificant.
Before I finished the story, Ruth and I both had tears in our eyes. I told her
how I debated about whether or not to tell her and that I decided to tell her
because so many times we struggle and our patience is tested when doing right
by others and we usually do not get to know if our efforts really made a
difference. In this case, Ruth's love and friendship meant so much to Martha
she was willing to give her last few dollars forsaking herself and her own
family.
I wanted to share this story with you because there is so much bad we hear
about every day. And especially those of us who suffer every day with health
issues and lack of support it is so easy to lose faith and hope in the world. I
think about what happened all the time, especially in times when I am watching
the news and hearing about kids being killed, or wars, thefts, etc. It gives me
hope, and strengthens my faith that there are good, loving, wonderful people in
this world. It also is an example for us all to recognize our priorities and
what things in this life are truly important.
I am wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I will be
back after the first of the year! God Bless ~ Angela
