by Kathy Scherrer, Kid’s Quest Parent

Receiving:
For many of us, when we think about our childhood, we have fond memories of those moments with our loving parents, annoying siblings, and the friends we couldn’t get enough of. The holidays were especially exciting times when we would start thinking about all the possibilities of the gifts we would find on Christmas morning. Remember how you could hardly contain the excitement of having a box handed to you, getting to tear off the wrapping paper and revealing the gift inside? Remember the joy you felt knowing that the gift inside was all yours and knowing that someone loved you so much to give you that present?

Giving:
At some point in our lives, we become aware of the unique pleasure we can get by giving something special to another person. Do you remember making your mom or dad a homemade gift for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day? Have you ever gone on vacation with your family and picked a souvenir for your best friend? Did you ever create a mixture of meaningful songs for a love interest? Have you watched your child’s unbridled excitement at seeing that perfect gift they “always wanted?”

Now imagine putting together a gift box of various items for a child you have never met. All you know is that the recipient of this box may never have experienced the rush of being a receiver or a giver in the scenarios mentioned above. The child that will receive your gift lives in a world where items that we tend to take for granted are truly treasures. The potential impact that your gift will have on this child is immeasurable. All this child knows is that a follower of Jesus Christ put together a gift of love for him or her. That act of love will most likely be remembered for that child’s lifetime, and may inspire further acts of love, kindness and sharing.

As hard as times are here in the United States, in your complicated and often frustrating life, it is a life of luxury by these children’s standards. Please consider sharing some of your time and resources to bring joy and tenderness to a child. Have fun picking out items that will light up a beautiful face with a smile and heart full of love. Take advantage of the opportunity to impact a life in Jesus’ name.

Are you inspired? Go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/Pack_A_Shoe_Box/ for instructions on how to give.

NEW this year! Donate online and print out a tracking label for your gift box. You will receive an e-mail with the destination of your box and information about how Operation Christmas Child runs in that country!