Lutheran Volunteer Corps

Love and Christmas Sweaters

As I was gearing up for the holiday season, I received a reminder we can live the yuletide virtues love and generosity of spirit all the time and in unexpected ways. My brother came to visit me for Thanksgiving. At the end of the weekend, I took him to catch the bus back to his school. Unfortunately, we barely missed the bus. Instead of waiting another hour, we decided to chase the bus through the wilds of Baltimore County. I wish MTA would transfer whoever was driving that bus to the number 8 because it was the speediest bus I’ve ever seen. When we finally caught it at a stop, my brother hopped out of the car and ran to the bus. He made it, but couldn’t quite get all his stuff onto the bus. There were no places for me to park and help him, but I noticed that a group of homeless people who were also at the stop gave him a hand. I circled the block to make sure he hadn’t dropped anything and asked the people, who were still there, if he had made it ok. Even though it was dark and I was in a part of town I don’t know, I stayed for a few minutes and talked with them. I didn’t have any money to give them, but I did have time and a few handshakes and hugs.

I’m still thinking about those few moments and trying to figure out why they affected me so strongly. Especially at this time of year, most people are pondering gifts; what to give Great Aunt Mildred and whether or not she will be handing out her trademark snowman sweaters, complete with pom-poms. I keep remembering those moments at the bus stop because they remind me that we are all God’s gifts to each other. Tangible presents are great ways to show people you love and appreciate them, but we can all give people love, respect, and dignity every day.

posted by sarah @ 9:33 AM