And my Christmas spirit is not particularly there. So this morning, my wife and I are wrapping presents for a girl at the city orphanage. She filled out a list, and we have all of her items now--the skinny jeans in pink, makeup, the pink Converse shoes, the iPod, the tee shirts, the striped socks, etc. A lot of things were on her list. I think that she will be a happy kid on Christmas.
We did this last year too. Giving to a girl from the orphanage made us feel good. We met some of the staff at the wrapping party for the kids. That party is being held on Sunday at the organizer's house, who is a sailing friend. He and his wife have no kids, and so they have organized this gifting to the orphans for two years.
It's clearly apparent that we don't need or want anything for Christmas. Most all of the 90+ boxes of dishes, crystal, porcelain, etc. have gone to the antique auction house. The big auctions for Mom and Pop's things will be coming up in January. We have kept a few things that are special to us. But they had so much that we would have to build a 3000 sq. ft. addition on our house to display the things. How many sets of dishes does a person need? How many crystal bowls or wine glasses or champagne flutes? It feels good to have cleared out the storage container.
Our lives are amazingly calm and content at the moment. I have been going to meetings. One of the meetings has started a beginner meeting for those newcomers who show up. I led that the other night. There is nothing like a newcomer to remind me of where I was. Her brother is an addict, and she found that she was obsessing and anxious about him and what his addiction was doing to her parents. These stories are repeated over and over again in the rooms. I'm glad to be there to share the message of hope. It is the time for that and maybe some miracles too.
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| Last year's gifts for the orphans ready to be delivered. |
I think that you and your wife are doing things exactly right. You have not shied away from the hard stuff, you have done all the steps in the right order, you have done the work. You have left room for the miracles.
ReplyDeletei am all for hope and miracles man...and so cool you are caring for that girl who is an orphan...how we care for the orphans and children says much...i remember christmas in florida was different...highlights were the float parade...and they used to so fake snow at the open air mall...which was cool...old world santa too, in green and leather...was a cool change...
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for those who have "everything" - kudos for walking the walk.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to read your message. Going to more meetings during the Holidays is my plan. Reaching out to the newcomer. In some ways I hope to always have the newcomer spirit I walked into the rooms with a willingness to do whatever it would take....
ReplyDeleteyou just don't hardly hear of an orphanage very much...so many kids need a loving family. Merry Christmas to you and yours....
ReplyDeleteAwe you post made me all gitty happy and warm inside. I kind of needed that today. I been feeling down. Those are some of the nicest gifts I have heard for a charity. Most people who give to needy kids usually get the lower quality. Not that people are generous I just always see them get the short end. I know when I get ot be able to do this someday I want to get what they really ask for like every other kid.
ReplyDeleteOh Syd....such generous hearts. Good for you both. One of your commentors said something about "walking the walk." YES! Yes, yes yes.....it is good to walk the walk and not just talk about it. Bless you and C.
ReplyDeleteThat little girl will be very happy that C and you got her name ! It never occured to me that Alanon would have a beginner's mtg. but it makes a lot of sense. I always love when a brand new person graces our rooms. I need to be reminded of how it was.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You Syd. You are the real deal.
ReplyDeleteIt feels good to be past gathering things and to the point of letting things go. If you are paying attention life has a way of showing what is really important and it never fits in a box.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lack of humility when you mention all your good deeds. Do it again and don't tell anyone.
ReplyDeletePeace
Maybe you are right.
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