Frosted Flakes and hot wheels. . . small items that were luxuries for my young sons when we were at the youth ranch. These were in a gift package from a family that supported the ranch. The items were not expensive, but the personal interest they reflected was priceless. Not a holiday goes by that Matt and Kenny don’t reminisce fondly about those gifts. When I see a box of Frosted Flakes I remember the kindness that touched my sons by making possible something I could not provide.
During this holiday season, we see many organizations like Boys and Girls Club, Frisco Family Services, and Toys for Tots sponsoring toy drives for under privileged children. The toys are a help to families and children, but beyond the physical gift is the attention it represents. For parents who struggle to provide necessities but want more for their children, the holidays are especially trying. Every parent wants to bring joy to their child but circumstances sometimes make it impossible to provide more than the basic needs. When we help them in that provision, we share a little of that pleasure.
Our world moves so quickly that it is easy to miss those out of view; to overlook those who have little compared to us. It’s all relative; there are always those with more, but do we remember those with less? It’s not about the biggest or most expensive gift; it’s about one that is given with a desire to build up those who need help. Every time I hear Matt and Kenny talk about that gift of Frosted Flakes and toys, I reflect on the kindness we received and it spurs me to look for ways to reflect that kindness to others. Let's all seek ways to provide something special to someone.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". Maya Angelou