Be a Small Miracle

There are many ways we can help others. We can become a small miracle, make them smile and bring joy to their lives.

I drive a disabled elderly woman to church periodically. We’re gotten to know each other over this past year and a few Sundays ago, we talked about the special things of Christmas. She mentioned that one of the things she missed was seeing the Christmas lights, the neighbor’s yards lit up with decorations. I suggested we go for a drive just before Christmas and see the lights. She readily agreed.

I picked her the Sunday before Christmas and we drove around several neighborhoods, looking at and exclaiming over the decorations. There were trees lit up, manger scenes, Santa Clauses, elves, snowmen, and houses outlined in various colors. We looked and pointed and exclaimed over the lights. It was pure fun.

When I took her back to her retirement center, I reached into the back to my car and gave her a gift bag. It contained a knitted hat and scarf that one of my neighbors had made. Tears filled her eyes as she held the bag.

“Do you mind if I wait and save this for Christmas morning?” she asked. “Now I have something to open.”

“Of course,” I said. “Open it whenever you want, and have a Merry Christmas.”

A hug and kiss later, she disappeared into the entrance of her senior living center.

I thought about it on the way home. How many of us do not have families with whom we can celebrate the holidays? A man or woman in their nineties may have no family left. Spouses have passed, children have moved far, far away, grandchildren may be non-existent.

There are many lonely people out there and we can be that small miracle to them. It doesn’t take a lot of money or a lot of time. Just a kind thought and action.

Be that small miracle. Make someone’s Christmas merry!