Spiritual Growth

As I sat in the waiting room of the orthodontics clinic the other day, I observed one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. She wasn't twenty-something. She wasn't a size two. She wasn't tall with flowing hair and sexy clothes. By most people's standards, she was not a head-turner. She was pretty, but not a worldly beauty.

Still, I was mesmerized.  I could hardly take my eyes off her. I tried not to stare, but she was glowing.

This beautiful woman was there with her husband, a baby girl, an older teenage boy, and twin teenage girls. After a couple of minutes, her twins' challenges became evident. They spoke too loudly and were easily distressed. At times, one of them would touch her mom's face, beg to hold hands, or ask repeatedly for the same unmet request.

Yet every frustrating situation was met with a smile.  It seemed to be a joy to watch over and discipline her kids. She answered them with cheerful firmness, and they were surprisingly well behaved.  She calmly insisted on their obedience, and they cooperated, even when it obviously went against their nature.  She didn't threaten or bribe.  She didn't give in or allow them to have their own way. And that smile never left her face, not even for a minute.

I don't think I've ever seen a better example of "the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit." I wanted to watch her and learn from her. I wanted to soak up some of her joy. I wanted to emulate her patience. I wanted her glow.

What words would someone use to describe me if they were to watch me with my easy kids and minor problems?  Joy?  Patience?  I doubt it. Do I smile very often?  Do I ever smile in the midst of a trial?  Um....no.

That sweet lady has been on my mind ever since I saw her shining face. I hope that I never forget her. And I hope that I will develop the same kind of gentle and quiet spirit that was so appealing to me and, more importantly, is very precious in the sight of God.

"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." (1 Peter 3:4)

Every year I say I'm gonna do it. And every year I forget about it until it's too late.

But not this year. This year I did it. I didn't wait too long, and I didn't forget.
(Thanks for the reminder, Mom!)

For the very first time, we are participating in Operation Christmas Child. It has been soooo much fun. Basically, you fill a box with cool stuff for a kiddo somewhere around the world. You get the joy of giving, and they get the joy of opening a wonderful Christmas gift and learning about Jesus (the best gift of all, of course). If you aren't familiar with Operation Christmas Child, I'd encourage you to click over to the Samaritan's Purse website for more detailed info.

We started with six shoeboxes, three for boys and three for girls. Mackenzie and Riley had a blast shopping for way too many goodies to fit into our few boxes.

First, we wrapped the boxes in some festive paper. The base and lid must be wrapped separately.

Then, we put in the practical items that I didn't want to be forgotten if we ran out of room. In went the toothpaste and toothbrushes, the pencils and sharpeners, the crayons and colored pencils, and the paper.

Next went the favorite toys.

Baby dolls and Legos.

Soccer balls and air pumps.

Some things were able to be taken out of their packages, and the balls were deflated. I didn't want to waste our limited space on cardboard and air.

We filled in the gaps with more toys, candy, and gum.

Finally, the kids added something personal. They both wrote letters and drew pictures. We also included a photo and our address, so they'll hopefully get a letter back.

Then, the lid was put on top and a rubber band held it all together. I printed out a barcode from Samaritan's Purse so we can know exactly where our boxes are going. While I was online, I also donated seven dollars per box to cover the shipping costs.

In a couple days I'll drive our boxes over to the drop-off location (also found online). This is the week for dropping them off at the collection sites, so you can still join the fun.
You have until November 21.

It's not too late to give, and it's so worth it.

I want my children to have hearts for the world. I want them to care about those who are poor and lost and hurting. I could spend all day telling them about the joy of giving to those in need, but no amount of explaining could help them understand it for themselves.

Now, they've felt it. They've experienced it. And we've all been changed by it.

Does your family give to Operation Christmas Child or some other ministry?
Please tell us about it!