Caring for the Least of These
Mathew 25:40 "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
I think it's extremely important to give to others, especially to those who can't protect themselves, can't care for themselves, are hurting, or don't have a voice to be able share their lives. And when I mean giving, I don't mean by just dropping a check off in the mail. I mean spending time with these individuals on one to one basis. Relationship is more important than money.
Last night we took the fire trucks to a home for the mentally handicapped. We were supposed to go on Saturday but we were rained out. Apparently, they were very upset that we couldn't come and so we rescheduled for Tuesday night. One of our firefighters dresses up as Santa and we bring two of our trucks in with lights and sirens. We then let them have at it with the trucks. They honk the horns, blare the sirens, and talk to each other with our intercom systems, play with the lights and they get to talk to a bunch of firefighters. While there are some low functioning adults there are also some very high functioning adults that live in this home. And they all love it when we bring the trucks over for Christmas.
As I stood around a watched each of the patients interact with one another and with the other firefighters, I noticed how so many of them look so normal on the outside and yet something has happened on the inside that has caused them to not be able to lead a normal life. It's heartbreaking really. And what did these families have to go through, what did they endure, what kind of heartbreak did they experience when they had to let their loved one go live in a facility that could handle their needs? It's a very sad situation.
However, I am also reminded of how much joy there is in the little things. To stop every once in a while and hit the siren or the horn just for fun. I love the lights and sirens but I think I have taken them for granted. I also love my bunker gear, but watching them try it on just made me beam with pride. I was so happy to share my happiness with someone else
Every year that we attend, I am reminded once again that not everything is as it appears to be, and to find great fun in the little things, and to enjoy each other immensely. Maybe that should be my motto for 2008?
I will be taking a short blogging break over the next couple of weeks. I have some things going on and of course the holidays are right around the corner. I hope to post periodically but I can't promise anything. If I don't get to post on the holiday, I want to wish each of my readers and friends and blogging buddies a very merry Christmas and a deeply blessed New Year!!
What a nice thing to do for those folks. I bet you made their day, and it sounds like they made your day as well. Funny how that usually works.
Posted by: Shelley | December 29, 2007 at 05:49 PM
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Posted by: Ford & Aly | December 25, 2007 at 05:05 AM
Stopping by to shout a big MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Have a great day...
Posted by: Felicity | December 24, 2007 at 07:27 PM
I wanted to stop by and wish you Merry Christmas and I hope the New Year has lots of great things in store for you! Happy Holidays! Stephe
Posted by: Stephe | December 24, 2007 at 07:49 AM
Have a nice break, and have a VERY Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Cris Anderson | December 23, 2007 at 03:24 PM
What a great thing to do,this is what the true meaning of the Christmas spirit is.Hope you to have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and that in 2008 ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE!!
BIG HUGS
From NB,Canada
Posted by: Dianne | December 22, 2007 at 12:06 PM
What a neat idea! I'll have to pass this along to Floyd!
Posted by: Melissa | December 20, 2007 at 05:00 PM
Oh I love the fact that you do that for those people! I myself am the mother to a 13 yr. old Down Syndrom child. He is the love of my life. I thought in the beginning that he wouldn't have a normal life but what is normal anyhow? It is how we percieve it, and how we deal with the things in life we are given. God has taught me so much through my son and others like him, that I am eternally grateful for this chance to have him in my life. The visits you think are for them, but I will bet YOU come away feeling good too, am I right?? Have a Blessed Holiday!
Posted by: Becky | December 20, 2007 at 01:26 PM
I think what you do is amazing.
Posted by: Georgia | December 20, 2007 at 04:40 AM