Surefire Way to Joy!
Five days ago, I picked up a fun little virus while substitute teaching. Either the flu or its evil twin. This is the first day out of my bed since then. During my illness, my son kept knocking on my door or tiptoeing around my bed to ask me about a present.
Rewind. The day I fell ill was the day that my sweet son took his own money to school to shop at "Santa's Workshop". He bought two presents. One for Hot Pastor and one for me. He put them under the tree.
This child doesn't always understand good timing or social cues. He had no idea how bad I really felt, even though my bed was covered with used tissues and popsicle sticks. When he is focused on something, it's like he has blinders on. He doesn't let go of something easily, including his disappointment.
My son wanted to give me the present he had bought.
I was so sick, and I asked him the first time if we could wait until I felt better. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that he asked me ten more times over the course of the virus, "Can I give you your present Mom?"
You can be sure that today,(now that I can think straight and my head isn't pounding) when he gets home from school, that I will tell him how precious he is and what good love he has in that heart of his. I'm not sure if he can wait until Christmas for me to open that gift. If opening it early brings him joy, then I will.
Don't get the wrong idea. This is the same child who will tell me Christmas morning if one little thing from his list is not under the tree. He will compare how much candy everyone has in their stockings. He has even been known to pout on Christmas. Those things will get better as he heals. The generosity I see in him is who he really is.
Generosity is a gift. I have seen what generosity does, I have felt its wonder when I have made room for it in my life. Generosity brings amazing joy to the giver. I can already see the smile that will spread across those plump lips of my little guy when I finally open that present. Big hugs will follow.
Generosity brings freedom too. We all fight our selfishness daily. It's not just the kids who want stuff. Generosity takes our eyes off of ourselves as we see the joy that is possible in another through our giving. I am certain that our son had fun buying those gifts. The thing about stuff is that we always want a little more. It is never quite enough, so we become disappointed and frustrated. No joy there.
I can see why some don't get it. It doesn't make sense according to our selfish culture. So much of what Jesus taught sounds crazy. Turn the other cheek, the last will be first, love your enemy. When I read the headlines and see the state of our country, I don't think looking out for number one is working so well.
Try a little crazy generosity today.