A 10 year old Taught Me Love

Everyone has heard the expression “Love God, Love People”. Sometimes we hear it and it sounds so familiar we don’t even recognize the actions we should be putting behind that statement. I know I find myself guilty of this daily.

I am always more concerned about being time efficient for myself, or making sure my life is taken care of that I often forget other people and their needs. This Christmas season I found myself extremely guilty. I was more wrapped up in finding the best deal on a new MacBook and iPhone to even see the need of children and those around me. Finally, on Christmas morning, that all changed.

I saw handwritten Christmas requests from different foster children in the community. One stated: “I am a 10 year old boy. I want school snacks so I’m not the only one not eating during snack time at school. I wear a size 12 and I like Pokémon.” Wow. Hit me like a ton of bricks. All holiday season I have been hurrying around making sure I have a perfect outfit for Christmas service at church, enough gifts and matching wrapping paper that I didn’t even recognize the needs of children in my community. A simple box of goldfish for $4 or a pack of juice boxes for $5 would have made a child smile this Christmas. Another child asked for blankets and jackets because every night she is cold. The honesty and innocence of these children’s request is what brought tears to my eyes as I realized my selfishness and hypocrisy.

There are children who need help worldwide, but why not start making the change in our hometown communities? Why not sacrifice our $7 chickfila meal and donate the money towards a school classroom to help provide snacks for children who do not have one. There are so many ways we can “Love People” and this is just the start.

Thankful this Christmas season for the honesty of a 10 year old boy who has forever changed my view on Loving God and Loving People.