A Beautiful Lesson

[Jorja]

This year, we had very few CHRISTmas decorations.  Since my husband was scheduled to have his upper teeth extracted (had lower's done Dec. 1)  3 days before CHRISTmas we knew he would not be up to taking down our large tree and lots of decorations; so, we opted for a 3' tree and left our many boxes of decor in the shed. (We knew I couldn't take them down). 

Well, the first few days, I was so sad . . . not seeing our beautiful tree and all ornaments/decor collected through the years (especially the handmade ones by my children).  Then I remembered a hand sewn table scarf given me a few weeks earlier by a lovely new friend.  I pulled it out and put in on the table and felt a little better. It was perhaps a bit 'tacky' looking but still a decoration. Each day that passed, I begin to see that scarf in a new and different light.  Here I was feeling sad because I couldn't have all my sentimental things and the table scarf had a much more profound story.

You see, the lovely lady who gave it to me is suffering from terminal cancer and according to docs only has a few weeks left on this earth.  She painstakingly hand stitched the scarf from scraps of CHRISTmas material, then added lace.  She wanted to give each member of her Sunday School class something she had made to remember her by. 

Each time I looked upon that table scarf, I was reminded of 'what is important' in life, especially at CHRISTmas. It's not having a big tree, many decorations, cooking all the CHRISTmas goodies, or presents galore.  It's realizing that we have but a short time on this earth and we should savor each day while attempting to bring joy to others.  As a Christian, I know these things and always strive to put CHRIST first; but, it is so easy to get caught up in material/sentimental things and fail to see how really blessed we are.  As you can well guess, the scarf is not longer a bit 'tacky' in my eyes but will become a treasured part of our CHRISTmas decor each year.

I have only known this beautiful lady a few weeks but she taught me a very beautiful, valuable lesson.

Blessings,
Jorja

[eyeamdry]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story.  This is indeed, what it's all about.  It is so easy to forget and get side-tracked by goodies, glitz, lights and all.  Our Christmas is very small, only 3 adults.  I have to remind myself we just do not have Santa, lots of goodies, kids opening presents, lots of food (don't need it.)  We have to enjoy the day for what it is and not expect things you know are not there.  Merry Christmas, Lucy

[susan]

Loved this sweet story so much!

[Patze]

Oh Jorja, that is a most wonderful story!  Isn't it amazing how the little things mean the most?  And that dear lady gave you a great gift!


Patze

[Katybarstool]

Jorja

You are spot on. That lady is very wise and you are priveleged to know her.
BTW how is your hubby?
Hugs

Kathyx

[Bucky]

Jorja - thanks for sharing your story.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  This sweet lady used what resources she had and invested her valuable time in making by hand something she wanted to leave behind to her dear friends.

May we all strive to bring more joy to others.

Bucky

[irish]

She was an angel in your midst that you did not recognize at first. So many times things like this happen to us. It is such a wonderful story that you will keep in your heart for years. Thank you for sharing this with us. Irish

[Duchess]

Thanks for sharing that story. For it serves as a reminder to all of us of what the true meaning of

CHRISTmas is.


Duchess

[Meld256]

Jorga,

Thanks for sharing this.  What a wonderful new friend you've found; one you will never forget along with the joy she has shared.