I recently received a Christmas letter from my friend, Cindy Poole, who told a story of giving and gratitude I’d like to share with you:

Dear Friends and Family,

Every year, the recipe for my Christmas Card is about the same: include the true meaning of Christmas, pour in a heaping cup of gratitude, sprinkle in a dash of humor…and I almost always pick on the Wise Men. Inspiration for my 2023 card was long in coming, and I began to think my creative muse had disappeared like a missing sock. But I was inspired by something that happened a few weeks ago.

Typical Saturday morning: I met my friends for our customary breakfast at the BK Diner in West Chester. We sat at our “customary” table surrounded by other Saturday regulars as well as a few folks we did not recognize. In the booth beside us, was a man dining alone, and we struck up a friendly banter with him. After we finished our meals and as we all went digging in our purses for a few extra dollar bills, our server, Kathy, said, “Put your money away. That guy (in the now empty booth) paid your bill.”

WOW! The three college guys in the next booth were incredulous too, and wished aloud that someone would pay their bill. As we were leaving, we did just that and paid their bill. Later, Kathy told us how the students reacted: they paid the bill for someone else. She said there were smiles all around that morning in the diner.

What if we all did that and gave an unexpected gift to someone?  Most likely the receiver would be inspired and grateful, whether he needed it or not. Christmas is about Gifts. The greatest Gift is the birth of God’s son, Jesus Christ. The wise Men brought gifts. Santa teaches children about the joy of giving to others.

ITS ALL ABOUT GIVING. This is the time of year to be grateful to those who bless our lives. You are one of them. Merry Christmas.

Good wishes for good health and happiness in the new year!