A Drop in the Bucket The Salvation Army kettles date Back to 1891. No wonder it seems like they've Been around forever. I'm glad in our "advanced" technological Age that the bell ringers still faithfully Carry out their duty watching over Passersby dropping in their coins Or bills. But I learned today from Walter that Other items are deposited in The buckets too. (He was the young man with long hair And a Santa's hat who was loudly Ringing the bell at Walmart.) "Yes," he told me, "People drop in Guitar picks, gum, toothpicks, you Name it." How sad! "What's the hardest part of your job?" I asked him. "Just standing here all day doing nothing." As I pushed my bill into the slot in the Bucket, I also slipped a McDonald's gift Card into Walter's hand. The bell ringers need to be encouraged too. But I wish I had thought to tell him, "Walter, you are doing something, something Important. Helping to collect money for Hurting families is a really big deal to them." |
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Another Plea
I give to lots of worthy causes, But I must toss many of The appeals in the trash or I'd be broke, sooner rather Than later. Indeed, four more pleas were In my box today. I'm enticed with greeting cards, Totes, Umbrellas, Dimes, and Mailing labels. If I use the items without sending in A gift, I put myself on a guilt trip, But I attach the stickers to my Envelopes anyway. I prayed about today's assignment. "Lord, who really needs my help? I'll keep my ears and options open." Then, chatting with a friend I showed her One of my gospel bracelets and tied it To her wrist. "That's it!" I exclaimed. "That's my Answer! I'l donate to the group that Donates the bracelets to me and anyone Else who asks." I always carry them with me in case I can give one away. I'll mail the check out today. And in the Christmas spirit, I'll send it with great joy. Visiting Betty
When my practical, farmer dad lived with Me, he confessed, "I wouldn't want to Go to a nursing home, but if I had to Go, I wouldn't fight it." And, indeed, he didn't object when he Spent his final month in a facility where He died at 96. I wish we didn't need nursing homes. It's hard to visit the elderly, the sick, the Dementia bound when so many just Want out. But we need to make the effort anyway. I've heard that often nursing homes are Inundated with guests during the Holidays with an overload of treats, Parties, and caroling. And then, so often the shut ins are Shut out for the rest of the year, Forgotten. One Easter, a group of us ladies went To a facility and sang "Easter carols." Two friends and I visited Betty today and Left treats for her and the staff. But I'm going to make a pact with Myself that this visit won't be my last. I'll write the Christmas assignment on my Calendar each month so I won't forget, "Visit a nursing home today." Call a Friend
How can I pick just one? I can't. So after my meeting this morning, I'm going to call as many friends As I can. I'm going to tell them, "You were the very first widow who reached out to me." "You were Jack's loyal, forever friend," "You brought a basket filled with love gifts." "You show me how I want to be if I ever reach ninety." "You made Valentine's Day bearable for me." "You encourage me to write down my thoughts." "You share your spiritual wisdom with me." "You pray with me." "You keep me grounded." "You sang for Jack when he was close to going home." "You're my sounding board." "You were here for me during my darkest moments." "You make me laugh." "You gave me the Christmas calendar that has transformed This season for me." "You sat with me and let me cry." And it's what I'm doing now just thinking of what My friends mean to me. Anywhere
Dear Karen, You've been in Africa so long, I Wonder whether it feels like Home now, Especially at Christmas. With your light skin, you must Stand out everywhere you go. You stand out to me, too, because Of your commitment to Jesus and The people you serve. You've had more than twenty Years of adapting, of Moving to a new country when Your former one was threatened, Learning new customs, Foods, Taboos, Raising support, Raising your quiet voice for the Women, the children, the Needs that are overwhelming. Karen, the pictures you send Can't describe what your Life is really like. Only you and the Lord know the Struggles you face. I can't be in your place, But I can pray for you, And I do. Thanks for modeling to me What it means to follow Jesus, Anywhere. Eating Out
When I saw the assignment, I prayed, "Lord, who should I call?" Going through my mental list of Friends, my mind stopped at A particular name. She's been struggling with health Issues recently. I picked up the phone. "The Lord brought you to mind, friend. Can I pick you up for Lunch on Sunday? But there's a catch. You must Allow me to treat you." She hesitated, Considered the surprise invitation for A few moments and then responded, "Oh yes, you don't know what your Call means to me." Perhaps not. But I know it caused my heart to Sing, and I'm looking forward to A delightful lunch with a Delightful friend.
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Dorothy Kalb Hsu Seitzinger
Writing poetry has helped me process and express my sorrows and joys, my concerns and blessings. "Life is hard, but God is good!" Archives
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