Finding Joy

The children lined up in single file, each eager with anticipation of receiving a colorful plastic toy.  Such a toy would be quickly discarded by most American kids as being cheap and ordinary.  But for these impoverished children, such a toy was a treasure.  Moments later, the parents received food baskets of rice, powdered milk, coffee, and other common goods.  Given in Jesus’ Name, these were likely the only gifts these poor but faithful folks received this Christmas.

The scene was repeated in 3 other places where we had churches.  Eager children lined up for a simple but precious toy while their parents were blessed with food items they likely could not afford.  After the gift giving, we shared a gospel message of love and hope.  All together, about 130 families received food baskets and 200 children received toys and fruits.

However, perhaps more amazing was the source of food and gifts.  Not from me or my ministry.  But they were all given by one lady who wanted to bless many needy Christian families.  A lady whose husband, a pastor, had died earlier this year from cancer.  A lady who was struggling to take over the family business.  A lady who had to figure out how to continue raising her own 4 children alone.  A lady who, a few months ago, had also been diagnosed with cancer and was now undergoing treatments.

But also a lady who has learned that greater joy comes from giving rather than receiving, that blessings are better shared than kept, and that the best way to avoid dwelling on our own hardships is by helping those whose hardships are deeper than mine.  She also instructed me to give the gifts anonymously.  “Don’t mention my name to anyone.  Tell them that these are blessings from the Lord.”  And so I did.

Christmas 2016 is over.  Today, as I write, is the first day of a new year.  We hope it will be a happy one.  But if experience is consistent, it will also be a year of unexpected disappointments, seasons of sadness, and momentary times of turmoil.  There will be days when happiness seems elusive, but genuine joy will greet those who step away from their own trials and choose to ease the trials of others more needy than themselves.