A few years ago I had a wonderful Christmas experience that forever changed how I celebrate the season.I recorded that experience and I share it with my family and friends each year:
I've been running around like a crazy person the last few weeks trying to get ready for Christmas...buying gifts for all the kids & family,filling orders for Ebay,baking,parties,deadlines,late nights...AARRGH!So yesterday I took the 3 little ones to Walmart for last minute stuff,fighting traffic,ready to prounce on the next open parking spot...and I thought to myself "where the heck is the true meaning of Christmas in all of this?" So I finished shopping and I was walking towards the exit when I noticed an older man sitting on the bench inside the entrance with an envelope in his hand.He reached out to a younger,modestly dressed man who was walking by him and handed him something and said "Merry Christmas".It was a $20 bill.The younger man said "Are you serious",and the older man said "Yes,Merry Christmas",and the younger man thanked him and walked on smiling.I was fascinated,I pulled my cart over to the opposite side of the entry and fiddled with my purse and the kids while I watched him out of the corner of my eye,handing out bills to unsuspecting yet very grateful shoppers leaving the store.Then he got up and walked over to me and asked,smiling "Where did you get those beautiful children?" I smiled back and thanked him and he pulled a $50 bill out of his envelope and handed it to me saying,"Merry Christmas".I said "Sir,I don't need 50 dollars" in a thankful tone.He said,"Well then,find someone who does,Merry Christmas",and he left smiling as I thanked him.
I thought hard about it walking to the car,what a kind man he was,and how many people he helped out that day.He was discreet,you would really have to be paying attention to notice what he was doing,and you could tell he truly enjoyed meeting those people he was helping,if only for a brief moment.But why did he choose me?We were all dressed nicely to go to a party later,so I was a bit confused.As I thought about it I realized that he had possibly helped me more than he helped anyone else that day,because that was the first time I had felt the Christmas spirit all season.So I'll pay it forward,and I'll find someone who needs that $50,and meanwhile,I'll find time to read my scriptures,and teach my kids about love,and charity,and kindness,and about Christ,and finally feel the peace that the Christmas season can bring.Merry Christmas everyone!