The Christmas Spirit is alive and well...
About this time every year, I am usually struggling with finding the meaning in Christmas. I am not particularly religious and I have always celebrated the season more so than the religious holiday. I am usually on a quest to revalidate my belief that people are good, and that there is still kindness and love left in the world. In today's world, this is not always such an easy feat.
Today, I heard a story that renewed my Christmas spirit.
At Exton Square Mall, a Salvation Army bell ringer was approached by a man. The man asked the bell ringer if he thought he was doing any good by standing out in the cold, collecting people's spare change, and enduring the nasty glares of stressed out holiday shoppers. The bell ringer replied that of course he thought he was doing good.
The man then handed the bell ringer a check and a note. He explained that forty years ago, he had to spend Christmas alone on an army post, away from all of his family and friends. Salvation Army volunteers showed up with coffee and doughnuts for all the soliders on post. It was a minor thing, but that act of kindness stuck with everyone. He was now in a position in his life, where he could repay that kindness.
The bell ringer turned over the check and saw that the man had just donated $10,000. The bell ringer, who had been a Marine, saluted the former solider, thanking him for a such a generous donation. The man then explained that he wanted to remain anonymous. He wasn't donating such a large sum for glory, but rather he wanted as many families as possible to experience the same Christmas kindness the Salvation Army had once given him.
It's these stories that make me realize that the Christmas/Holiday spirit is still alive and well. People do remember small acts of kindness, and if we're lucky they pay it forward. I've always tried to live by that principle. If someone does something kind for you, do something kind for someone else. It's the best way to pay them back. Stories like the one of the generous donor, renew my drive to keep being that person.
I just wanted to share. I hope you all enjoy your holiday season.
XoXo.