As I drove through Colorado on Christmas morning, I was full of joy. This is the day Santa visits all the kids around the world, whether they were naughty or nice. This was the day that Jesus was born in a manger. This is still the one day that most people go out of their way to be kind to others, and friends and family find forgiveness for past mistakes and rejoice in love for each other.
The snow covered the ground, and it was in fact a White Christmas. I would be spending it alone on the road, and that did leave a little bit of sadness in my heart. But I had finally pestered my boss Riff enough and he had sent me a check for what he owed me, namely $3500. It wasn't enough to make me rich, but it was the first time in a very long time that I could remember being ahead financially.
My cell phone rang, and the one thing I was sure of is it wouldn't be my boss on the line. He was no doubt three sheets to the wind celebrating this magical holiday. "Hello, this is Bill," I answered.
"Bill-dog, this is Jenny on the ranch."
"Hey girl, Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you, too. Tom and I were just wondering if you might make it by here to share some turkey with us."
"I would love to, but I'm up in Colorado and headed west."
"So that's a no?"
"Unfortunately."
"Damn it. We miss you. And you've been here several times in December over the past few years."
"I know, and I wish I could. But duty calls."
"Yep. Just know that we love you and are praying for you." We chatted for a minute, then hung up. I had received several calls over the last hour from friends who were thinking about me. Friends who had let me stay in their homes many times when I passed through their city.
I thought about how lucky I was to have all those friends. Then I remembered the family I grew up with, and what Christmas was like when I was a kid. It was all about receiving, not giving, and I could not wait each year to see what I was getting. It was an exciting and exilhirating time for me, and it was only as an adult that I enjoyed giving special things to each person and watch their faces as they open them.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have the lifestyle that I wish I could, living in a nice house, driving a nice car, taking vacations to Hawaii. But on this day, all I could think about was the less fortunate folks who don't have enough to buy presents for their kids or even afford a decent Christmas dinner.
I scrolled through my cell phone and decided to call Pastor Rex, my old friend and confidante. "Merry Christmas," he said as a phone greeting.
"Merry Christmas to you, pal."
"Bill, so good to hear from you."
"I need some important advice."
"I can always give you advice, important or not."
"I just got some back pay that I've been waiting for two years. I feel strongly compelled to give $2500 of it to a charity for Christmas."
"Go right ahead, I think that's an excellent idea."
"Well if I'm going to do it, I want to be sure that I choose the very best charity where the money will stretch and do the most good."
I could practically hear Rex smiling on the other end of the phone. "You came to the right place."
And he gave me all the information I needed. Then I was able to share my money with those who really need it the most. And it felt really terrific. You should try it. Merry Christmas to all.
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