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Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Best Christmas Gift

I got a call from Avery's principal this afternoon.

She is the principal of the wonderful school that teaches children to hide God's Word in their heart, teaches kindness, compassion, giving and does an excellent job teaching academics as well.

This is the school that I cried big tears over when I had to write the principal and Avery's teacher to let them know that we would have to withdraw Avery in November because we can't afford the tuition (and it is not unreasonable- in fact it is about $10/day, all day). This is the school that Avery begged to go back to everyday for weeks, her little four year old mind not able to understand why the money in the jar in daddy's closet couldn't pay for it.

The principal was calling to let us know that there was an anonymous donor from our community that would like to pay Avery's tuition for the rest of the year. I was without words, but plenty in tears. See this is a big deal for me, not just because it is a wonderful school and I am a really tired, pregnant lady with three very needy children at my feet constantly, but because I was humbled, or maybe even humiliated.

I have never been an advocate of hand-outs, I come from generations of really hard workers, really ambitious and successful entrepreneurs. I have been so blind. I have failed to see that really, there are only hand-outs... there is not one thing that we can earn, short of God's abundant provision and gifts.

And so, my husband will continue to work hard every week to glorify the Lord, I will work hard at home to glorify the Lord, and we will receive His hand-outs. Whether it be the simple meal that we enjoy together as a family, the health and laughter that He has lavished on our family, the adorable hand-me-down clothes that adorn our children, or the tuition that is provided through an anonymous donor who wants to glorify the Lord.

And I am ever so mindful, that even though there are only a few small gifts for our children under the tree, and there may not be gifts for me and hubby, God's provision was and is plentiful. He gave us a gift unlike anything you could find online, on O's Favorite Thing List or at the finest of boutiques, He gave us His Son. "Greater love and provision has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 italics mine.

I have been reading consistently in the blogosphere the stress of money, the worry over wrapping, the stress of whether or not Santa will make it to America or will he have to be bailed out, too? My prayer is that you receive God's great provision of Jesus this season.

19 comments:

amanda said...

wow...that is wonderful friend!

avery will be sooo excited!!

Erica said...

What a precious story- thank you so much for sharing! Truly, we have nothing apart from the Lord.

Elyse said...

Hope Avery is excited as are you guys! There are so people in this world that are truly wonderful. Yes many are hurting, but those who always see the big picture help :) Glad HE answered a prayer.

To answer your question...no I did not get the giftcard before I left school, but I am sure that I will get it when I get back! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I know times are tough, trust me, but the LORD will prevail!
~Elyse~

CC said...

Wow wow wow!!!!!! What a gift and blessing!!!!!!!

Miss Lisa said...

That is so wonderful--it's amazing how when you put a prayer out there, it is answered. I am so happy for you and Avery! And I know there will be a day when things aren't so tight and you will be able to return the favor :)

Times are absolutely getting tight. My oldest keeps asking for a digital camera that makes mini-movies--for this year that would be her entire gift budget plus some of her siblings! Not gonna happen! So we had the talk about wants and needs and being happy with what you do have/get. Hard conversation :(

Katrina said...

So true friend. How often I forget that He is all I really need.

Patrice said...

Wow that is amazing! How wonderful! I am so happy for you!

vickypad said...

oh im soooooooooo happppppyyyyyy.

Vashey Fam said...

Never thought about *everything* being a handout....I am so very glad Avery gets to stay in school!

Anonymous said...

Oh...How wonderful. Ask and you shall receive (even if you don't know you are really asking!)

angi_b72 said...

awww...thatis just awesome!! Tahnks for stopping by, I love your blog!

Unknown said...

What a Blessing!! That really is the true spirit of the season!

The Griffin Family said...

You are so awesome! What an inspiration to seek God's provision!

ASHLEY said...

WOW, WHAT A BLESSING!! SOUNDS LIKE YOUR FAMILY HAS THE MOST PERCIOUS GIFT OF ALL, "LOVE". THANKS FOR STOPPING BY MY PLACE, I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW YOU BETTER...I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS.

Unknown said...

thank you so much for your comment on our ministry blog! we're horrible at updating it!

Colette S said...

This made me tear up so much because most of it is reflecting our life. And I keep wondering if it's that I'm not caring enough, but I do care, I just don't want to think that I should have more or deserve more when all I need to do is realize God's blessings in our lives and be thankful.

Thanks for visiting my blog and I've enjoyed yours

Congrats on 'quatro' :)

Shannon said...

This was such a sweet post. It sounds a lot like us. I love the Steven Curtis Chapman song, "Christmas is all in the heart." That's the song I thought of when I read this post and when I look under our Christmas tree.

I'm going to take some more time to keep reading your blog because I like it already. :)

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Oh, that is wonderful and perfect!

What a Merry Christmas present!

Anonymous said...

What a truly fantastic gift.

(Thanks for commenting. Boots- Luchese. Old. Was thinking about ebaying them (?).