“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy,
and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.  We often take for granted
the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”

Last night, I went to prison… with 20-25 other folks.

We went there to for with a Christmas dinner for the prisoners who showed up.  A family of Mennonites from Tennessee brought desserts, our group brought baked chicken, ham, stuffing w/gravy, vegetables, rolls and ice tea.  We served these men dinner, then sat down and ate with them.   They were thankful, they wished us Merry Christmas, they sang for us, they hugged us, prayed for us.

The stories these men tell, well that is for another time.  As my wife and I discussed the experience this morning we agreed that these men, who in most cases are getting what they deserve… showed more thankfulness for a meal (that you and I take for granted), for some time with others, no TV, no internet, just one on one face time than most people we know (including ourselves).

On the way to the prison, we bought a soda.  I gave it little thought until this morning, but am I grateful for the means to buy that soda, the transportation to get the soda, the freedom to get it where I want, when I want, and what kind I want. It may be a small thing but:

When did I begin to take my blessings for granted?

What did I do to be born in America in the 21st century?

We decided this morning, that we would not allow this season to pass without acting on these thoughts.  Christmas will be different this year.  Our Christmas fund (come on, as a financial guy we do have a budget for gifts) will be used primarily not for family but for some kids from the Angel Tree charity where we buy gifts for the child of a prisoner, and a couple missionary families we know.  Will our kids like this idea, probably not and that is unfortunate but they will get over it.

So what about you?  Who can you bless for Christmas?  What will you sacrifice to be a blessing?

My prayer is that this is the year that our family and yours truly understand that this time of year is not about receiving a blessing but about being a blessing to others.

Dave