“We’re not spending this Christmas alone; we’re inviting some people who don’t have anywhere to go for Christmas to join us for the day”.
Dad told us a few days before that first Christmas that it wasn't just us and we were wondering how it was going to go?
Were they going to get some of our presents and more importantly, what about the leftovers?
Forward Friday is all about taking time for someone who could use care, our time and warmth during this Christmas season. Really, care should be a 365 year-round part of us but the season does hit people in different ways… To reach out makes a difference and as usual, there is Good News Medicine at the end!!
Let’s Get Into This:
Our home was the place where everyone’s name was not only known, it was a home away from home. And Christmas was no different.
It was that first Christmas that began a legacy of taking a moment for those who had no one, were away from home and so many other reasons that gave many an opportunity to enjoy Christmas with our family.
There was always someone over at our house but especially Christmas.
We had foreign students, single people, families, from few to many, we had them all.
We learned that sharing was a big deal, that whatever we had could be shared to brighten the day and life of someone.
That greed, selfishness was not to be an option in our lives.
We learned that we didn’t know what someone might be going through so to show a kindness could be the catalyst that could make the difference in their life.
Mom would say that many a tear was shed (we didn’t know it at those moments) because those who came were overwhelmed by my parents’ loving kindness and acceptance of those invited made to feel like they were part of the family.
I often think of the faces of those who joined us on Christmas day and there was a present under the tree for them.
The shock and surprise of their faces to realize they were grafted into the Mills family for that Christmas day; I realize even more so now how much of an effect the care my folks had for people mattered.
And we decided that when we started to have Christmas at our house, the tradition would continue.
But Does Taking A Minute For Someone Just Mean Christmas?
So, a little story to tell and I feel very humbled to tell it…..
A few months ago, a friend from high school messaged to say that his brother was not doing well physically and asked if we could let our alumni group know about it to pray for him.
We went and visited a number of times at his apartment but it was becoming apparent that he couldn’t hold up much longer in that scenario.
So thankfully, he was moved to an incredible hospital with awesome care and the opportunity to make headway in his physical fight.
So the question for many of us at times is, “Can we make time for the one who needs us?”
What’s been so amazing in this journey with my friend Morris are those of our alumni who have been taking time to drop in and spend time with him, calling him often.
It is amazing how, when we take our eyes off ourselves, even when we may be in some turbulence, some of what we may dealing with seems to lose some of it’s steam when we take a minute for someone else.
We went to an iconic fast-food joint in Montreal, (The Orange Julep) and through the hospital foundation, we enjoyed an evening watching the Montreal Canadiens play.
To see the expressions on Morris’ face on both evenings made it worth it….
I came away from the hospital one evening deciding that it was more important to take time a few times a week to spend time with my friend than to be worried about what I could be doing instead.
There are some benefits for taking a minute for someone even though that’s not why we do it.. But…
It Feels Good To Help Someone….
It Can Help Relieve The Isolation Of The One We Are Spending Time With
We Gain Perspective In Our Own Life When We Focus On Others
We Have The Opportunity To Bring Joy And Life To Someone
As a community, we still are believing for Morris’s recovery but in the meantime, we’re thankful we get the opportunity to take a minute for our friend…..
But There’s Also Some Good News Medicine Too….
The Christmas story is laced with so many breath taking, awe-inspiring events but there are some special “Take A Minute Moments”.
Luke 1:6-45 tells the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
Zechariah was a priest getting on in age, and his wife Elizabeth was unable to have children.
Not having children was a disgrace and yet, God chose this couple to usher in John The Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus.
Can you imagine that an angel comes and says, your wife will be with child and still not believe it? I mean, co'mon, we're old!!
So much so that Zechariah was rendered speechless until his son was born because he didn’t believe the good news moment. I mean, I would be looking at the situation they were in and would think the same thing.
But think of it; this elderly couple who thought their latter days were numbered, and that any idea of new life coming out of them was a non-starter…..
This incredible "Taking A Minute Moment" becomes part of the miraculous change the course of history moment. We read a little later in the story, when Mary and Elizabeth meet, Elizabeth’s child inside of her jumped for joy when he heard Mary’s voice because Mary was going to be Jesus's mom!!
On first glance, a wild story. Incredible miracle and yet…. An almost hidden gem in the Christmas Story and it’s a "Taking A Minute Moment" that embraces the lesser known, almost on the outside looking in.
It’s an elderly couple, seems like their best days are behind them, maybe no one is visiting them anymore, and yet, there is this moment where they are noticed, appreciated, made to feel important, valued.
I think that the Christmas story is the ultimate everybody can see themselves in it picture account.
From the outcast, the marginalized, the outsider, the lonely, the wondering, the one hoping for something better, to being noticed when it seems like we wouldn’t, we can be lifted and encouraged today that God, has a minute for us, comes to us to say that we matter.
Again, for so many, this season beings with it loss, hurt, frustration, sadness, an almost feeling of hopelessness, loneliness and the list can be lengthy.
Does anybody notice? Does anybody have a minute for me?
Believe me when I say that Jesus does have more than a minute for us!!
That’s why he came….
To come to us; Jesus=Emmanuel, God With Us!
No matter the struggle, no matter the situation or circumstance we may be walking through, Jesus is as close as the mention of his name.
Reach out today because he’s more than willing to "Take A Minute" for you and I!
Spending time with Morris has been good for me; I realize that "Taking A Minute" has not only been good for Mo but I again value and appreciate the important things in my life more because of these moments.
Maybe it’s time for all of us to consider taking a minute for someone; who knows the incredible difference we can make!!
Taking a minute this coming week; will you join me?
Dave
#ForwardFriday #TakingAMinute #GodWithUs #ChristmasMemories #Speaker #Blog #GoodNewsMedicine #HelpSomeoneToday #Perspective #Progress2023
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