Have you ever heard of Jordan Smith? He was a contestant on the singing competition show "The Voice" a few seasons ago. I used to be a big fan of the show and I remember watching the episode when he auditioned. ALL the judges turned their chairs and were shocked because Jordan was not at all what they expected based solely on the voice they heard. But, hey! That's the whole premise of the show, right? Anyway, I liked Jordan because he represented something different. He wasn't trendy or strapping. He wasn't shy about performing "How Great Thou Art" or "Mary, Did you Know?" in front of millions. Best of all, he seemed completely comfortable just being himself. Based solely on looks, he was the underdog. But, then he sang and his voice was amazing. He went on to win that season in 2015 and last fall (2016), he released a holiday album. I downloaded it and heard the song, "My Grown Up Christmas List," for the first time. Have you ever heard it?
I'm not sure where the song originated, but it has also been performed by Amy Grant, Kelly Clarkson, and Michael Bublè among others. It has become one of my favorite holiday songs, not only because I like the melody, but more so because of the message. As I listen to it, I imagine most of the adults I know would fill their own grown up wish lists with many of the same things . . . . . .
No more lives torn apart by senseless tragedies and violence
No more war
Time would really heal all broken hearts
Everyone would have a friend
Right would always win (If only we could all agree on what's "right")
Love would never end
Sounds pretty great, doesn't it? For my own wish list, I would add . . . .
Kindness would always prevail
Children would never be hungry or unloved or abused
Everyone would have something to believe in and a little magic in their lives
Of course, if I really got to write up a list and send it off to the North Pole, I would have to ask that jolly old elf for a few, more selfish things, too. I would wish for . . . .
A special eraser to make middle school girl drama disappear
A house cleaning fairy that appears whenever I snap my fingers
A shopping spree at a few of my favorite stores
A little more time and inspiration for blogging
A little more time and energy to connect (or re-connect) with friends
A parenting manual with all the answers I need for raising tween/teen girls
A winning powerball ticket stuffed in my stocking!
Ha! While some of those would certainly be nice (although perhaps unrealistic), the truth is, my life is overflowing with blessings. I think that, especially at Christmas, when we are bombarded with commercials and advertisements selling us all the gizmos and gadgets we don't really need, it's easy to lose sight of what we already have. The lyrics of this song remind us that there are more important things than just more "stuff."
I hope that, this holiday season, you are surrounded by many blessings, too. I hope that you can take time to put the hustle and bustle aside and make a little room for peace, love, and joy. I hope that, if you are hurting, you will find healing. I hope that, if you are joy-filled, you will not take it for granted. I hope that you will laugh, smile, hug, and be hugged. I hope that you are safe, warm, and loved.
Two weeks ago, I ask readers to do just ONE thing - something simple - to spread hope, peace joy and love during this busy holiday time. You can read that post Here. This has been great exercise for me. Over the past two weeks, I have been more cognizant of opportunities to show kindness and spread a little hope. I have also been on the lookout for what others are doing. It has been heartwarming and I cannot wait to hear your stories!!
I'll start by sharing some things my family has done:
1) When I first wrote the post, I asked my daughters to help me come up with some ideas. Out of that brainstorming session, we decided to take hot chocolate to the teachers at their elementary school who were standing out in the cold to supervise carpool drop-off in the mornings. The girls were so excited about doing this. They thought about which teachers would be out side, which girl would give a cup to which teacher, and what they would say. The teachers were so happy to get the hot chocolate! They told the girls how nice it was and thanked them over and over. My youngest said, "She gave me a big hug and and said thank you, thank you, thank you!" Not only did it bring joy to the teachers, it brought joy to my girls. So much, in fact, that we have done a couple more times!
Sorry for the blurry iPhone pics!
2) I do a bible study with a group of wonderful women from or church. Recently, the pastor who leads our group was made aware of a single mom who has three children, one with special needs. Sadly, they had been living without electricity and, therefore, without heat for three weeks. I won't go into detail, but suffice to say there were domestic issues involved and this mother, who does work, was struggling to get by. Another church member had asked if there was any way the church could help. those in my study group who were able gave whatever donations we could and, with the help of discretionary funds from the church, this family has heat and electricity again.
3) When a new student arrived in my daughter's class this week, she noticed he didn't have any school supplies. She asked if she could take him some pencils and three-ring binder we had sitting on a shelf. She told me yesterday that she has also been sharing a snack with him each day because he doesn't bring one. I'll be putting an extra snack in her bag from now on. She requested these items and has shared her snack simply out of the goodness of her heart with no promoting from anyone else. That makes my heart so very proud and happy.
You may have also seen this video as it has been circulating the internet. If not, watch it. You will smile, I'm sure.
There is so much more we could do. In fact, there is always something we can do. Even if it's just a giving a smile to the person you pass in the parking lot or saying "Have a great day!" to the cashier at the store. Big or small, it all make a difference to someone!
So, what have you done?? If you are a blogger and have a post (new or old) with a story, link it up below! If you are not a blogger or haven't had time to write up your story, just leave it in a comment below. There is also a thread on my Facebook page where you can share a comment. It would also be great if you shared this post using #justdoONEthing, so others can come offer their stories as well. (My original goal was to have 50 stories in linkups, comments, and on Facebook combined. Think we can do it????)
