Holidays...Joy and Suffering

Christmas is supposed to be such a happy and jolly time of the year. But every year, I can't help but feel immense sadness for families who don't have the money to celebrate in the same way as other people. Everytime I walk through the mall and see that angels on the angel tree or hear about a family who has recently lost everything my heart aches for the parents and the kids.

A few Sunday's ago we had the opportunity to adopt some children to buy gifts for through our church. Every year they put together food baskets and coordinate efforts with a local agency to provide presents to children whose families can't do these things for them. One of the things we have tried to be intentional about when picking these children out is that we choose a type of child that would not be typically chosen. Usually that means the older adolescents to teenagers. This is important to me because I feel strongly that it will effect a 17 much more if they don't get a gift then it will a 2 year old. The older kids are embarrassed when they go to school and know what they are missing out on. As we picked them out, the lady coordinating it told me that if they had left over names they would be going shopping for them. I quickly let her know that I would love to help if they needed it.

Mike and I agreed that we would forego gifts for each other and put our money towards these kids. We set a budget and have found them quite a few things. The lady in charge invited me to help finish the shopping for the kids that were leftover. When I met them Monday night I found out that we are only able to spend $20-$25 on each kid. This broke my heart. Most of these kids were older and their clothes naturally cost more than a 5 year old. So they will get very few items. I could hardly stand it. The other downside to this is many of their siblings have been "adopted" by someone in the church and will get a sackful of presents and they will only have one or two. It is times like this that my heart sinks. I just hate that kids have to experience pain during what is supposed to be a joyful holiday. I try to take joy in knowing that at least many of these kids will receive something and they might understand that their are people that truly care about them.

I love opportunities like this because it forces me to recognize how blessed I am. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. May he be present in the lives of those who are broken hearted this holiday season.