Early last December, Henry’s grade was able to participate in a fast-paced, meaningful act of service which also allowed me to spend some time with him. A local car dealership funds a shopping program for children of less-fortunate families. Basically, the car dealership forks over the money (A LOT of it), they invite school children to come to a local store, and each child shops for the recipient one-by-one.
The children ranged from infant to 18, and had a dollar amount assigned (infant clothes are obviously cheaper than adult clothes), and we were each given a checklist of what to get, a pair of tennis shoes, two to three outfits, and spend the rest on toys.
There was a bit of a learning curve for Henry and I since it was our first year, and I am pathetic at spending money, even when it’s not my own. It took me a minute to be okay with picking out clothes that were out of our family’s price range because, you know, it wasn’t MY money I was spending. Once I got over that mental block, we passed two hours shopping for four lucky kids. We did one ten-year-old boy, and while we walked up to the front to drop off the bag and paperwork, I noticed that no one was shopping in the baby department. I asked for an infant for our next three benefactors, and though Henry lost interest fairly quickly, I was in heaven picking out baby toys, shoes, and outfits.
I have literally never gone on a shopping spree, which doesn’t bother me because I’ve always had more than enough, so the morning with Henry was a unique one. I love providing service, especially when it’s with my children, benefiting other children. I hope the kids we shopped for enjoyed their gifts and had a merrier Christmas because of the time Henry and I got to spend together. Bonus for me: I got a few insights into what Henry hoped to get for Christmas AND we both realized we’re not cut out for for consumerism because shopping isn’t *that* fun for very long. 🤣 What I loved most is the reminder that though there are some troubling things happening in out world, there are also a lot of good things going on behind-the-scenes, too. We sometimes have to be reminded that other people are generous, there are opportunities to serve each other, family really is important, and that time spent is greater than things owned.
One Response
Rachael, you must have had a very spiritual experience when you were doing our Savior’s work for him, for these children of our Heavenly Father who were in despair for what kind of Christmas their children were going to have. You always seem to be helping someone in need, even if it your own family.
It would be fun to be able to shop for someone you do not know and not worry about your finances, as someone else was paying for it. You did know however you had a budget.
Heavenly Father must be extremely joyful that He was seeing His children experiencing the love and joy of serving one another, especially during this Holy Season. So many people that day, including all the children and parents who were shoppers but also the people from the car dealership who supplies the money to help are Christ’s angels that day.
Great post Rachael I was greatly touched by it and know that Henry is going to remember what he did that day and that our Savior and Heavenly Father had great joy in seeing him doing Their work. He is going to be blessed for it.