I think I have shared before about a friend who would come in to work just about every day and say 'Another day in the land of Oz' and we'd laugh at him. Miss that guy and my boss and I often wonder what happened to him and his wife. We were friends, but after they both left the company I had worked at for 26 years, they kind of faded out. I know their son moved to Australia, where he met a woman, married her, had a child, and my friend was so overjoyed at having a grandchild she flew to Australia for 3 months and took a leave from work. Then I heard rumor she had also moved there, leaving her husband here. I don't know - haven't heard from either one in years. I probably should do some research and find them. They were such fun and my boss and I loved to hang out with them. She hasn't heard from them either. Anyway - that comment came to mind this morning as I sat here thinking of what to write today.
Packages I shipped out the other day are being delivered to Nebraska and Indiana today. Some I ordered from a company will be delivered in Indiana today with another delivery coming in a few days to finish up. I have a niece that I haven't seen in years, but we have maintained contact. She asked me for a Bible several years ago and I sent to her. I blame her mother for not keeping in contact with the family after the divorce from my brother. I have never met any of my niece's children, but her son has been in contact with me for a few years now. Just periodically he will touch base. This year it seems we have talked more than usual. In fact, I heard he was talking to my youngest son last week, and my son reported that this great-nephew credits me for getting him back in school (I had encouraged him to go back to school) and a job. He has a lot of medical problems and I'm not sure what all they are, but I know one has to do with his lungs as he mentioned going to a lung doctor not long ago. Anyway, I decided to send them a Christmas gift as he said they don't even put up a tree. So I started inquiring as to needs. I couldn't - and didn't - do much but ordered a few things for them for Christmas. Didn't want to 'start something' I may not continue.... and I even ordered a table top Christmas tree (about 20") with all the trimmings for it. It won't arrive for another week though. I love I can order through Amazon just about anything and it usually arrives within a week. I love even more giving to others that really need things. Not sharing to brag... just typing my thoughts right now. I don't think anyone else in the family has been in contact with our niece and son. Her two daughters have never contacted any of us. But the son reached out with a 'how ae we related' as he saw my name on facebook. Loved sharing with him about my big brother. He was about 2 or 3 when my brother passed.
This season is always bittersweet and Christmas Eve tugs at my heart, as that is when my big brother had his heart attack and passed away. I don't always remember, but I try to light a candle for him every year and just pause in life and let my thoughts go to him. I miss him so much it hurts at times. I miss my big sister too. And my little brother. I was close to all of them. No, not just in my own mind, but in my heart as well.
My grandsons didn't make it over to bake cookies last night and it was disappointing for all of us, but I'm glad one got the rest he needed. He wasn't feeling real well either, it sounded like. We are going to try again on Monday. I am taking the day off work to finish up on my Christmas shopping and plan to get an early start. By the time they come over late afternoon, I'll be done with everything I think, and will have everything ready for them to bake. So looking forward to it.
My oven will be getting a good workout! I baked cookies last night as I stayed home instead of going out. I needed cookies to take to the cookie exchange on Thursday so got them baked and out of the way. Today I will need to make salsa and fix up bags for two of the people I support as tomorrow I go to Mesa for the Christmas party. Little by little getting the office folks done. I meet my favorite boss for breakfast on the 22nd so will fix her bag up then.
Also today I have to go pick up the equipment to get ready to ship. I refuse to drive downtown so the company is sending me a Fed Ex box prepaid so that I can pack it and have Fed Ex pick it up and return it to the office. I have other equipment I can send in too so will clear space by getting rid of it from here.
I'm trying to think of a scripture to share and I can not find what I want. The wording is probably in a different version than what I'm usually reading... but it is about loving others. Not just through the holidays, but loving them all the time. So many times through the holidays we are willing to buy gifts for others that we don't normally (like I have above), but sometimes it isn't the gifts they truly need. Sometimes people just need a friend who will show they care about them. That they have not been forgotten.
I think we all know people whom we have backed away from because of their behavior, or their bad habits, or just because we don't care for what they have said or done.... I've done it. Guilty. Even for my niece's family - I haven't touched base in a long, long time. I'm glad I still have a distant relationship with her, but I never really got to know her after the divorce. And I didn't make the effort to keep in touch - and that's my fault. But it isn't just family members. We all have those distant friends that have been reduced to acquaintances over the years.
Maybe now would be the time to send a Christmas card to them and just let them know they are not forgotten. Maybe now would be the time to send a text and say 'hey, haven't talked in awhile, are you doing ok?' - and why am I saying that? Because we have a lot of hurting people out there that just need us to step up and be a friend. Just someone to let them know they matter. Listen to them. Perhaps they have been seriously ill or going through a difficult time. Maybe God would put it on your heart (as He did mine) to provide something that is needed. Like a meal. Or a jacket. Or just kind words that matter.
Let this season not just be one of buying and giving to those you love and keep in contact with. Make it a point to reach out to someone you haven't talked to for awhile. How are they doing - really? Your call, your text, can make a world of difference. It could even save their life if they are despondent about things. Be the one who shows they care.
'Do unto others as you would have done unto you."
At my lowest point, I had a friend who reached out unexpectedly and let me know they cared. That type of friend is a treasure. Be one.
Blessings!
