Operation Christmas Child

Today we had an opportunity to serve others by Operation Christmas Child. An organization where churches, schools, or just plain simply everybody packs a shoebox full of small presents, these shoe boxes are marked "girl" or "boy" and shipped across the world to orphanages and poverty stricken countries for Christmas. As we are continually spoiling our children with the upcoming Christmas holiday, the statement struck me that "this box may be this child's first and only gift as a child." How sad. No parents, no gift, and most of all, no Christ. The girls each packed their boxes with love and care, and Carlie included a note with her address (in hopes of a letter in return) and telling this child, "Jesus Rocks!" Her love for Christ is so pure and strong right now, at times, I am jealous of it! Selfless faith is a teaching that never ends as a parent. At every corner I turn, I see my girls thoughts and actions of entitlement. American Girl Doll, Wii, DS, whatever they wish for Christmas, they will receive. I must take blame for this, they are my children, I love the smiles on their faces when they open presents. My prayer this season is to continually remind them of what others don't have, and to be thankful of all the blessings that are showered on us each day, and to leave each day a little more Christlike and think of ourselves a little less.