Before It’s Too Late

The Church I attend prepares shoe box gifts at this time every year. Samaritan’s Purse originated and operates the program, and anyone, anywhere can participate. Thinking about Christmas gifts right now is a little early for some of us, but it will soon be too late to participate in this program.

A couple of years ago I wrote these words along toward the end of December – “I am thinking of the woman whose husband has gone on to Heaven,, and her children have abandoned her to the confines of an asylum (by any name). I am thinking of the young man in a prison cell, who, while perhaps surrounded by others, is truly alone. I am thinking of the child living in a cardboard box on a dirty street in some backward third world country, who will be hungry and cold and lonely. Certainly I could visit that woman, if only I knew exactly where to find her. Of course, I wouldn’t have to look far, so maybe it is not a matter of ignorance, but of concern. I know some guys in prison. Maybe I can’t go (though I probably could), but I could at the very least send a note, a card, an allowed gift, if I am not too busy. I wonder if one of those shoe boxes we sent off might reach that child in the box. . .maybe I could have sent another. . .or two.”  (I Wish I’d Said That!, page 31, emphasis mine)

Now is the time to think about that child. The day before Christmas will be too late. Do it now. If you don’t know where to get the information, send me a comment when you finish reading this and I’ll tell you. . .before it’s too late.