I have a little confession on this 3rd morning of December. I am nowhere near ready for Christmas this year. How do I know this? Well, last night, when I got the mail, there was a package in there, with a card. I opened the package first because, hey no one was watching. It was some sort of delicious toffee chocolate combo that had Craig's name on it. So while munching on said toffee and wondering who was sending candy to my husband, I opened the card. It was a Christmas card? Not kidding, I was confused and that my friends was my reality check that Christmas was going to happen whether I was ready or not.
.
I should have seen it coming. After all, four of the last five days have all had a name attached to them that should've made me face reality much sooner. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and tomorrow, Giving Tuesday.
I usually am a very active participant in all five of them. I have been kind of caught up in moving this year and except for a little jaunt out on Saturday, those days came and went without much attention from Moi', aka Shoptilyoudrop Sherry.
It did get me thinking about tomorrow though, Giving Tuesday. I know in my heart that this is the one I have neglected the most in previous years. Shame on me. Spoiler alert, Giving Tuesday trumps the other three when it comes to the meaning of Christmas. Also, why is this one last? After all the shopping hype of the last few days, do you even have any money left in your holiday stash? Did you budget for this last campaign as much as the others. Can you imagine how many people would benefit if we gave as much attention to giving to those organizations tomorrow? Many of them are nonprofits that rely on people like us to help them to help others.
Just a thought here - what if you took the same time today to scroll through some of those organizations as you have for your online shopping. Don’t get me wrong, I'm no saint here. Have you bought on impulse these last few days? "Why yes, yes I have." Can you imagine being on a non-profit page and following the same nudge to fill their cart as you do when you are scrolling Amazon?
Listen, I am not trying to guilt anyone into giving. I mean, we were moving this past week and when I took a break, it was to check my inbox for more deals. Guilty!
I used to work for a non-profit organization and know how important this day is to them. I once road my Bike from Michigan to Texas to fundraise for this cause. Okay, I also did it to get sober but that's another story.
So this morning, I want to ask you to prayerfully consider giving to an organization that you feel stirring your heart. This is where you will feel the meaning of Christmas come alive in you. Giving feels Good. Trust me.
Need suggestions? Here are a few that are dear to our family!
Need suggestions? Here are a few that are dear to our family!
Lakeshore Pregnancy Center https://www.lpcenters.com/
Helen Devos Children's Hospital https://www.spectrumhealth.org/foundation/helen-devos-childrens-hospital
For His Glory Ministry https://ammiebouwman.com
Journey of Hope Yoga https://www.facebook.com/journeyofhopeyoga.org/?ref=br_rs
Extreme Response International https://extremeresponse.org