Wednesday, November 17, 2010

StC: A Simple Shoebox

There are lots of ways that as a family, we can become more thoughtful, and more thankful at this time of year. However, one tradition, that we try to do every year is a Shoebox Gift. We head to Dollar Tree, and each of our kids, gets to pick out a few things to put in "their child's" box. They even have the shoebox size tubs that you can purchase there. (That's always helpful, because my kids always want to get a ton of things, and I say, "we can only get what will fit in your box.")

My daughter usually does a box for a girl in her age group, and my son does the same. We talk about how this child on the other side of the world is just as special as they are. Just as loved. Just as precious to the Lord. And what a gift that we can bless them with a fun present filled with goodies and treats. That this might be the only gift they get for Christmas. And, they begin to see how much they truly have. They piece together in their little minds what is taking place with a simple shoebox.

I don't know if you've seen this yet, but Southern Gal had this video up on her blog yesterday. I almost skipped watching it, being in my usual hurried state of life. But, miraculously enough I stopped, and took a few minutes to watch it. I'd encourage you to do the same...


I think what hits me the most, is that if all my kids got for Christmas was a pair of shoes, they'd be so disappointed and almost insulted. Not because they're just ungrateful kids, but because their Christmas list is comprised of things like An American Girl Doll, and new lego sets. We have so much. So much, that even as I type I think about how much I complain on a daily basis about what I don't have, and how dare for one second should I ever doubt His love for me. But, because of our culture, and because of our life style, a simple pair of shoes, almost seems like nothing.

But, this simple pair of shoes, brought one little girl to know the power and love of God. And that is something absolutely amazing. That He brought her exactly what she needed, in the exact moment she needed it.

Just think if we each did one shoebox. If we each took a few minutes out of our busy lives, and took the time to think about that child on the other side of the world, who might only get that one gift for their entire year. Just think.

Check to see where a drop off location is close to you. If you're local, and interested in putting one together, I'll even volunteer to take your box with me this Sunday. Just email me, and I'll get it from you, and take it with mine. This is the last week to collect them.

11 comments:

  1. You are right, Melissa. We are so blessed in this country and sometimes we forget that fact. Rebekah has a recording of the children in Botswana opening their gifts. It starts out as a dull roar and then bursts into excited laughter and yelling when they get the boxes opened. Priceless.

    P.S. Thank you for telling your children they can only fill a shoebox size container. When packing them in the cartons at the processing center their aim is to get at least 14 boxes in a carton. When people send huge containers it takes up too much space plus you feel sorry for the ones who only get the regular size box and someone else gets a storage box full. Most don't think of it in that way.

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  2. We've packed ours - what a Simple Pleasure! So glad you have shared this.

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  3. It's a super idea. I remember doing it with my boys, through their school. Now I sponsor an Indian girl.

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  4. Melissa, this really touched me. I'm so glad you shared this simple pleasure with us. Doing for others is truly the key to happiness.

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  5. Hello Melissa, thank you for having this video for us to see. It was very beautiful and inspiring. Jesus comes to us in so many surprising and humble ways...
    I am challenged to serve the same way :-) blessings..Trish

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  6. Our church does this every year. They have started providing the boxes so as to make them easier to ship. One Sunday night a year, they host a packing and wrapping party. Such a SMALL thing that makes such a big difference for some small folks.

    This is a great simple pleasure!

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  7. We have a new church in a new state this year and for the first time, rather than heading up the collection for these, we are mere participants. Something tells me it will be even sweeter this year. :)

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  8. This sounds like a great Christmas tradition for your kids! They're so blessed to be learning to give.

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  9. Our church does these each year and this year I decided to do two of the older age boy and girl it was so much fun getting the items that will mean so much to someone ...It was a blessing to me to be able to do this and I have been praying for the boxes I send that they will feel the love that went into them
    So glad you shared this and I know your kids and you will be blessed

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  10. oh, thank you for this. i needed this reminder. we are so well off. it hurts me. how injust this world... but through a shoebox, we can help make it right. thank you.

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  11. i had resisted watching that video and then it was played at our small group. i bawled. our small group is now putting together 5 or 6 boxes. we're praying that our small gifts of soap and pretties will bless these children.

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