Here’s a sweet story from our recent trip to Duck Duck Goose over the weekend.
Our whole family was in line to pay for our loot long before the 30minute marker and my little boy was doing fairly well standing in line. We were still within sight of all the unsold toddler toys. Pretty soon he was out and about playing with them while we advanced. As soon as we passed the 30minute marker, we summoned him to stay in line with us since we can’t see him well from that point. He did okay for about five minutes and then restlessness set in. Too many, “let’s not do that” and “stay where Mommy and Daddy can see you” calls. Right across my vantage point was a makeshift “kid lounge” where Cars 1 was projected on a giant screen of white sheets against the wall. Because the indoor light from the fluorescent bulbs were starkly bright, the image on the screen was barely visible but I figured heading that direction was a better option than an escalating frustration among us three. My dear hubby stood in line and we left. The little guy and I were getting settled when a light-brown-haired boy aged around five or six approached us and immediately shot me a question. The only thing I made out of his query were the words “Operation Christmas Child.” I asked him to repeat the question and heard nothing different. So I said “okay.”
“Is that a yes or a no?”
“I’m sorry? Oh…well, can you repeat the question to me slowly please?”
“Djo…………..box for “Operation Christmas Child?”
“Oh, did we pack a box for Operation Christmas Child? Yes, we did last Chrismas.”
“Okay.”
His name is Leighton and his Mommy is working the booth of Operation Christmas Child at DDG.
“Would you like a cookie, a candy, a sticker, or water?”
“I think we’re okay, Leighton. Thanks for asking though.”
“Okay, ’cause we have more than enough for us.”
He left and minutes later came back with his right hand stretched out, revealing one Operation Christmas Child sticker, 2 candy canes, and one cookie on a napkin. I said thank you and he went back to watching. So did my little guy, who was sitting on a bean bag, munching on the cookie. 15 minutes went by and I can see my hubby getting closer to the end of the line. My little guy stood up and seemed to have had enough of the watching. Leighton approached again and said, “would you like some water?” We ran out of water and I knew my little one will be asking for water soon but Leighton’s done so much already, going out of his way to share with us his bounty that I felt awkward saying yes…but I did anyway. He disappeared again. I spotted him making his way past all the folks in line, holding a small cup of water very carefully. I grabbed my little on and met him halfway, requesting that he pour the cup of water into my son’s sippy cup. He obliged and dashed back to his Mommy’s station. I had to meet his Mom. We were making our way to the Operation Christmas Child station when Leighton came back with a half filled cup of water. He handed it to my little one and ran back to the kid’s lounge area. Then I heard my son say, “That boy a sweet guy!” My heart swell!
Leighton’s Mom was busy speaking with a lady interested about Operation Christmas Child and it was taking longer for my little one to just be still and not get his hands on the box filler samples displayed at their booth. He was getting tired too. Finally, we had a chance to chat. She was delighted to hear about Leighton’s acts of kindness towards us that morning and very much grateful to hear of it. My son and I were blessed to be a part of two random strangers’ extension of their compassion and generosity in an unlikely place. Wasn’t that just so cool? Leighton’s kindness and gesture really meant a lot to me and I suspect to him, it was just a simple thing to do, nothing overly planned, though it’s very likely a life pattern taught and modeled to him by his parents. What blessings!
So…as you think about gifting this Christmas, won’t you consider packing a box or two for Operation Christmas Child? If you have children, there are many ways you can involve them in the process. They could pick out some items with you at the store that they want to pack in the box. Or, they could create a greeting card to include in the card. Simple gestures from your own children that can bring a smile to another child in a different part of the world. Your act of kindness will sure to bless a child’s life in return.
The words “Operation Christmas Child” in this post is linked directly to the page with all the information you need for packing a box. If you want more information about Samaritan’s Purse International Relief, which operates the Operation Christmas Child program, please visit www.samaritanspurse.org. Here is an article close to my heart written by Samaritan’s Purse on the plight of children in Manila, Philippines.