Think Outside Yourself
Star 105.7 becomes the Christmas station right around the first of December. I think I discovered them 2 years ago while I was driving back and forth to work. I drove 50 + miles a day so I had plenty of time to channel surf. Well, you know what a Christmas junkie I am, and it pours over into the music I like to listen to in December.
Anyhow, this radio station was encouraging people in West Michigan to remember the true spirit of Christmas and that it's better to give than to receive. Therefore, you "Think Outside Yourself". I remember listening to people calling in telling stories of how a complete stranger had done some nice thing for them. A big example they used was the next time you got into the drive thru at McDonalds to pay the bill for the car behind you, wishing them a Merry Christmas.
I thought, how sweet to do that for someone. I didn't know if anyone actually would, but it was a nice thought. You're probably hearing all the big woop-dee-doo right now about "Secret Santa's" paying off a person's lay-away at Kmart. I mean, it's all over the news right now.
Even in the toughest of times, people are reaching out to others and doing this generous thing for a stranger.
Tuesday Sami had preschool and we did our normal pick-up routine and she was starving, of course. We were walking out to the car and I was telling her we could have grilled cheese and tomato soup when we got home. Or we could have pizza. Well, she wanted a cheeseburger kids meal from McDonalds. At least they come with less fries now and a package of sliced apples. So, we went to the drive thru and placed our lunch order. When I got to the window to pay the cashier told me that the woman in front of me had paid my bill and to wish me a Merry Christmas.
Are you kidding me?
After I left the parking lot, I started to cry. I know that sounds silly but I was just so touched that a complete stranger had done such a kind thing for us. The cashier told me that this woman comes through the drive thru each day and pays the bill for the person behind her. I don't know who she is and I can't remember what she drove....but I'm thankful to her for showing me that there is kindness and generosity in this world. We're talking about a $5 meal here, but it's the thought that counts.
I decided today that the next time I go through the drive thru I'm going to pay the bill for the person behind me. It'll probably be a mini van with 15 little kids in it, or a football team....but I don't care. I want to pass on the feeling that I felt when someone did that for me.
Actually, you can find the radio staion online and listen to the continuous Christmas music. Not that you're Christmas crazy like I am....but maybe you are. Go to http://www.westmichiganstar.com/
I also discovered that they are granting wishes. You know, I heard them talking about it a week ago and I thought, "I'm going to write a letter and make a wish". But for what? I kept thinking....presents for my kids and my husband. Should I ask for something specific or should I ask for a specific amount of money so I can give my kids a FANTASTIC Christmas?
I couldn't decide. I thought about it for an entire week. I had to write a great letter to prove that I was deserving of one of these granted wishes. Then, it hit me. The day I was in the McDonalds drive thru and someone thought of me instead of herself....I realized what I needed to wish for.
I have a very dear friend. She lives in another state. I don't see her and we don't talk everyday.....but I think about her and her kids every single day. I think about them and I wonder how they are doing, and I hope that things are getting better for them. My friend is trying very hard to get back home. Through no fault of her own she has to live in a shelter with her 3 beautiful kids until she secures housing in MO. So that's my wish. That a place to rent is found and she can move back to Missouri....and take her kids back to their home. This is the wish that I asked for....for help for my friend who means so much to me. To be able to take her kids back home and be near their friends again...well it would be incredible! I don't know if my wish can be granted...but I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.
I think people get so caught up with their day to day life that they forget to enjoy it. Remember how I wrote the other day that I love the whole month of December and that I enjoyed all the holiday cheer right up to Christmas day? For alot of years, I had forgotten to enjoy it. I was worrying about money and making sure I could fit presents into my budget. I was so stressed about it that some years I didn't even do my usual holiday baking...and I already told you that I didn't get out my decorations one year.
I decided that I'm not going to do that this year. I haven't bought as many gifts for my kids as I have in the past. But I'm staying within my budget and I'm not going into debt for Christmas. Things could be so much worse for us....so I need to stop complaining and worrying about it, right? I decided that I'm going to enjoy it. I'm going to enjoy all the exciting things that go along with the holidays. My kids are just bouncing off the walls they are so excited.
This weekend I decided will be our baking weekend. We make about 10 different kinds of cookies, 3 different bars, candies, etc. Then I give a bunch away....otherwise I'd be like 300 pounds. haha Watching the kids cut out sugar cookies and then decorate them with frosting.....there's nothing like it in the world. I'm really looking forward to it this year.
Last, but not least, I wanted to mention that I adopted a soldier this year. I'm so excited because the young man I'm emailing back and forth only has a mom here in the US. He's 25 and doesn't really have anyone to write to or to send him goodies. That's where I come in.....I love to mom anyone who will let me. :)
Life is stressful and chaotic for everyone, but don't forget to slow down and enjoy the Christmas spirit that's floating around this time of year. We're planning a New Years Eve party...which will be so much fun. And don't forget to Think Outside Yourself. It doesn't have to even be something that will cost you money. Lend a hand to a neighbor, visit someone in a nursing home, or write letters to troops who aren't with their family right now.
Until next time.....hugs to all!
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