Oddly enough, this is the first year in 20 that has not have a lot of drama, so I don't want to approach these last few days celebrating Christ's birth with another "can't wait until it's all over" mood.
Sure there are things that are tough this year, the economy, unemployment, people who are no longer with us and a million other things to make it harder to face another Christmas.
But there is also a story about some "movement" that seems to be spreading across this great land. By now, I'm sure most of you have read it. Approaching half a million dollars has been reported as being paid off on complete strangers layaway orders. And it seems the more press it's getting, the more people are stepping up.
It reminded me of the story I've recounted here of the lady in a white van in front of us in the McDonald's drive through paying for our order when she noticed my niece who was driving was wearing her tiara and veil on our way to her wedding. I think the total of our order was under $10, but that is one of the most memorable parts of that day.
So, if the economy has hit you a little hard this year, but not left you without the ability to pay your bills, think about the car behind you in a drive-through.
Maybe we can continue to pay it forward (or backward at the drive-through).
After shopping and wrapping all the presents, you have to wonder if we should really be celebrating the birth of Christ in the same way we always have.
When we're rushing through our busyness of this wonderous holiday, let us all take some time out to give a complete stranger a smile. Those gestures are remembered long after this season fades from our memory.
Merry Christmas.
Rita
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