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At the Living in Simple Faith House, we had received an abundance of used clothing over the weekend and the children were invited to look through the boxes for anything they might find useful. But it was early in the evening and there was too much pent up energy demanding an outlet, so Jerome took everyone outside to play ball. After the group had played hard, they’d be ready for a break and that would be a good time to look at the clothing.
It was many hours later, hours in which large quantities of food were consumed, and discussions were completed, when the boxes of clothing were finally attacked. The oldest girls held their noses in the air as they sifted through the "used" stuff, then the boys let go of their various games long enough to take a look.
One young man was quick to spot what he needed to turn his old T-shirt and his oversized jeans into an outfit to be envied by anyone who knew how to really dress. Over his white T-shirt went a man’s navy blue button-down dress shirt, left open and topped by a woman’s bright yellow hunting vest. Desmond looked good. He looked like he was ready to do a number at the closest hip hop spots.
When I noticed Gerald was holding some women’s sweaters, all of which had been neatly folded and stacked, I was more than a bit curious about his choices. Gerald smiled, now he would have Christmas presents for his older sisters. He was really pleased.
Last night I thought of the people who had donated the clothing—as they packed and carted, did they ever speculate about where the clothing would go and if it would be used? I remembered times I had callously tossed everything in a bag and considered the opportunity to discard it a "good riddance". Now, as I reflected on the children’s faces, I knew future opportunities to pass on things which were used but useful, must be accomplished in a state of grace--of honoring the one who gave all for us.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 (The Message)
Jane Mullikin
It was a great day to begin creating a special Christmas. The children were boisterous and full of suggestions for gifts they could not live without. I looked at the lists being pressed toward me knowing the "Santa’s" in their lives were not likely to find the resources to provide the kinds of sophisticated electronic gadgets being requested.
Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
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