I have been having a really hard time with finding the Christmas Spirit this year. Life has been a little crazy, and I have been trying to find that feeling that has been lacking this time of year. I have listened to countless Christmas songs, read Christmas stories, watched my kids enjoy this time of year, but nothing has helped. Luckily Heavenly Father knew what was happening and helped me to find it.On Tuesday night, I asked Katie Baxter to watch the girls so I could run and finish with the Christmas shopping. I had one gift that I was having a hard time finding. I looked online and found that the Target had one there, finally. So off I went with Alex in tow, sleeping (YEAH). I got the gift I needed but, I was having a hard time figuring out what to get Kelly this year, either a Cabbage Patch doll or her first Barbie (which is hard for those that know me). As I kept going back and forth to the different isles, I stopped in front of the Cabbage Patch section and just sat there thinking it out. When all of the sudden someone started to talk to me like I was her best friend. Very random I thought, but oh well, I am always up for adult talk!! She proceeds to tell me that she really wants to get a doll for her 3 month old baby girl. She has been waiting for the little girl for ages because she has 4 boys at home. I smile, point to Alex and say, "Well, he's my first boy with 3 girls at home." I am thinking how interesting this is. She continues, "I am just not sure if I should do this right now, we don't have that much money, but I don't care, I really feel that I need to get her a baby. You see, my mother just died and we had plans for her to get her one. I just don't know what to do." I am stunned, I am blinking back tears. "Well, I know through my experience, you can never go wrong with a new doll, they love them at any age, even three months old. My now two year old had her first baby when she was just 3 months old as well." I reply. She proceeds to say, "I just don't know what I should get her though. This little cute doll here is so sweet with a pink dress, but I don't know how much it is." "It is on sale right now", I reply because I just looked, "It is a really good price too. What color is your baby's hair?" "Funny you should ask, she is a redhead." Again, I am stunned to almost tears!! "Follow me," I reply. I take her down a different isle I was just looking and and hand her the perfect doll. "You see," I said, "my two girls are redheads, and I am always look for redhead dolls. I saw this one just a while ago, but was not sure I should get it. I now know why, it's for you and your girl" I am trying so hard at this point not to breakdown in the middle of Target in utter tears. She is hold hers back as well. "Thank you so much, you don't know what this means to me." I reply, "You have no idea how much I needed this, you just helped make my Christmas, thank-you!!" Then we both part, chocking back tears.
The reason I am sharing this story is because first, I need to remember it. Second, Michelle told me it was a good blogging story, thanks Michelle, you are right. Lastly, I wanted to share a thought about it with you all. I was searching for the Christmas Spirit is song, story and others, instead of looking where I need to. The true spirit of Christmas is helping others when the Lord needs you to. I thought that it was very random that she started to talk to me, but really, who else could have helped her then a mother of 3 girls, 2 of which are redheads. She obviously was having a hard time dealing with things because of emotion and hormones. She needed me. I know without a doubt that the Lord needed me to help her and placed me there. I am just grateful that I didn't blow her off, which I very well could have. The true meaning of Christmas is helping other out whether they are your family, friends, neighbor or complete strangers. You just need to have an open heart so you will.
Merry Christmas!!!
