Comfort

I continue to struggle since last Friday.  We are having issues with this house, which I will write about later, that have been our main concern for a while now.  But since Friday, it all seems so trivial.  When I think of all the junk that has happened with this house, it doesn't even upset me anymore.  I keep thinking of those poor kids who had to witness what they did in Connecticut.  I don't fear for those little ones that died.  In fact, as bad as this may sound, I am grateful they are gone.  I would never want my child to live through something like that; to forever remember and feel guilt about still being on this Earth while their teachers and classmates died.  But I can't stop thinking of those poor little ones that will forever remember that day.

On Sunday, David and I gave talks (the boys bore their testimonies).  The talks had been planned weeks in advance and yet they all fit perfectly into helping us all heal from last Friday.  Our RS and Sunday School lessons was on forgiveness and hope.  That cannot be a coincidence that this lesson was set to be taught, over a year ago, this exact Sunday.

So, I keep going back and forth.  Sad...then I feel blessed...heartbroken...then I feel peace.  Back and forth.  David finally just told me to get off the computer.  I had to stop reading about it all.  Why do some things hit someone so hard while others just give you a fleeting moment of sadness?  I am not sure but this one has really hit hard.

Today I was at the mall with Hyrum and we came across the mall Santa.  I asked him if Hyrum could just say hi.  I didn't want to pay for pictures so I wasn't sure if he or the workers around him would let Hyrum in. He gladly led Hyrum to his couch and put him on his lap.  The lady taking the pictures told me that the children could come anytime to see Santa; even if not purchasing pictures.  I just started to cry.  Oh how silly!  I can't believe I started to cry but I was so overcome with gratitude that there was still so much good left in the world.  Not everything is about money or power.

So, I decided I needed to include my talk so I can remember the good in the world the next time I am reminded of those teachers and children lost on Friday.  Just another "coincidence" that the talk happened to be based on the goodness of others?  I think not.

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I have been asked to give a talk on the aspects of Christmas love and charity, and the effects it has on people. 

We hear and see the polar opposites of the outcomes of the Christmas season.  You hear of beautiful stories of people giving and then turn around and see grumpy faces at Wal-Mart as we are shopping for our loved ones.  I would like to focus of those beautiful stories.  I would like to share with you a story I read online:

“You only turn eight once and Chase Branscum of Owasso (Oklahoma) celebrated his birthday in big way.

The birthday boy received more than 500 gifts, but he won’t be taking any of them home with him.

“I already have toys and other kids don’t,” said Chase.

Chase decided to forgo a traditional party and birthday gifts to help other local boys and girls through a Toys for Tots toy drive.

“They don’t have toys and when they (don’t) have anything for Christmas they can’t play and they can’t have fun,” Chase told FOX23.

More than 100 guests showed up for his party which was held on Sunday, December 9th at the Rejoice Church North Campus Gymnasium in Owasso.

“He has a wonderful heart,” Chase’s mom, Tiffany Rowe, said.

Chase's mother says she was so proud of her son and humbled by his decision to make his birthday party about the community instead of himself.

“You want to raise your child to be generous and to think of someone other than themselves,” said Rowe, “Him doing this was a gift to me.”

The toys will go to the Owasso chapter of Toys for Tots, and the coordinator of that effort says the need is high this holiday season.

“(We’ll) probably give gifts to around 2,000 children,” Michelle Hayes said.

Local business owner, Danny Stockton, of Red Dot Laser Tag, decided to get involved and help with the benefit party after hearing about Chase’s generous plan. Children in attendance got to play laser tag, eat snacks and play games.

Chase’s friends told FOX23 the party was different in a good kind of way.

“I’m happy that other kids get things because some of them have never had Christmas,” said Chases’ friend, Kennedy.”

I was so amazed at this story for several reasons.  The realization that this boy was eight when he made this decision gives me great hope for the world that we live in.  We know (as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) that at this age, he becomes accountable for his actions.  This shows me that there is so much good still left in this world.  It also amazed me that this boy’s actions led to a business owner giving of his services for free to help a good cause.  Imagine all of the blessings that this business owner will receive because of his good deed.  I’m sure his sales will go up because people will want to support him.  I could be cynical and believe it was all for the publicity but I don’t believe that.  I believe that the Christmas spirit can and is felt by those around us, when led by wonderful examples.  Sometimes we need a push by a little boy or we are guided by a still, small voice of the Holy Ghost. 

Is it not amazing that another little boy, one that was born of such humble circumstances that he was born in a stable, could influence such an act as this eight year old boy from Oklahoma….thousands of years later? 

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”  St. Luke 2:7

Such a simple, humble birth and yet He was the most important birth that ever was and ever will be on this Earth.  His birth, life, death, and resurrection will be of more importance than of any historical figure to ever walk this Earth.  All will and has been centered around His life, whether those who walk this Earth believe it or not.  It can be denied over and over through the years, but it can not be changed.  He IS our Lord and Savior.

Last night at our ward Christmas party, a short movie was played about people giving of their hearts during the Christmas season.  It made me think of something that James E. Faust said, “We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves—giving of the riches of the heart and mind—and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store.”

As our economy still suffers, lets not forget those who are less fortunate than we are.  I have witnessed experiences where a family needed Earthly necessities.  They were able to be a part of what seemed like “miracles” as a person or family randomly showed up to help.  I have talked with those who have felt completely hopeless in what life has offered them, just to find that they were wrong all along.  They knew this because a random act of kindness was shown to them by a neighbor or friend. 

I am a firm believer of angels.  I am grateful for them and I know I am surrounded by them.  But I believe those angels have flesh and bones and are around us everyday, physically.  Let us remember our brothers and sisters this Christmas season as we are rushing around forgetting what Christmas is all about.  Let us remember our humble Savior’s birth and what it has taught us.