A Thrill of Hope

Thus begins the Christmas season at our house.

Really, it's an exception to the rule*, but for good reason.

Ben got out of bed this morning and wanted to play Wii first thing.

Like any self-respecting mom who would like to sleep in, I said yes.

But then he saw it.  And remembered.

Last night we went shopping for our Operation Christmas Child boxes, both kids with money they volunteered to spend.  As Ben was going to bed, he said he wanted to write a note to his recipient, telling him what each item was for and how to use it.  I had told him there would be time in the morning.

He stopped, on the way to the Wii, to take care of it.

He wrote.  (He hates writing.  Or so he says.)

He drew pictures.  (He's terrible at drawing.  Or so he says.)

He packed and decorated.

He smiled.

Bethany couldn't wait to join in when she woke up.

She sharpened a lot of pencils.

And played with the toys, just a little.

Tomorrow she will lead the congregation in prayer 

for the children receiving all of our boxes.

Some days I wonder if all of our teaching them

that it isn't all about us

goes right over their heads.

On days like today,

I am thankful that I get to experience

a thrill of hope.

If you haven't heard about Operation Christmas Child,
take a moment to check it out.
What a great way to start helping your family
catch a glimpse of the gift of giving.

Far from stopping there,
Samaritan's Purse has many other ministries as well,
meeting a variety of physical and educational needs all over the world.
We love taking a part in a ministry that opens doors to
life changing relationships.
We pray that those on the receiving end
experience as never before
a thrill of hope.

*The rule:  Thanksgiving comes before Christmas.