Search Topics
The Giving Tree.
Submitted by: Mina Faraway
USAInspirational Author and Romance Novelist
I was at the dentist’s office getting my teeth cleaned a few weeks ago. While waiting for the hygienist to call me back, I occupied myself by looking at the tags hanging on the Christmas Giving Tree in the lobby. Each tag was for a child in need, with their gender, age, and what they wanted most for Christmas. Reading these tags brought me to tears since there were so many, and their desires were so simple. Boy, 10 years old, wallet. Girl, 4 years old, blanket. Girl, 15 years old, art kit. Boy, 12 years old, hoodie.
I wanted to buy presents for every single child on that tree. As a single mom of three, I live paycheck to paycheck myself, so I knew how hard the holidays can be, especially now. I calculated up how many presents I thought I could buy with $200. I didn’t have an extra $200, but the emotion that welled up inside of me reading those tags told me it was something I had to do. I knew I would find a way.
After my appointment, I took down as many tags as I could, and ordered the presents from Amazon. It broke my heart to leave so many tags on the tree, but I could only hope someone would come along and help too. Two weeks later, I delivered the presents back to the office. There were still so many unclaimed tags hanging on the tree that I vowed I would buy presents for all the children on the giving tree next year. Meanwhile, I was so happy and grateful to give what I could now.
I stepped back with satisfaction and looked at all the presents under the tree. Not once did I worry about where the money would come from. I figured I would have to work an extra weekend to pay for the presents and focused on the joy I felt instead.
Three days later, out of the blue, one of my clients gave me a Christmas bonus. I had been working with this client for over 4 years and not once had I received an end-of-year bonus before. Can you guess what the bonus was? A $200 Amazon gift certificate!
When you know what you’re doing is right and it feels good, the Universe delivers. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Mina