I have always been a firm believer in this: performing good deeds creates a domino affect. When people witness a good deed being committed, it is like a forest fire; one tiny spark ignites and spreads wildly along. "Christmas" simply is another word for "good deed". Was it not a "good deed" of God to share with us his only Son whom would come to save humanity? Unfortunately this gigantic side of Christmas is quite often overlooked. People are too concerned with this year's latest trends, transforming Christmas from spiritual into commerical. But even the smallest good deed can restore Christmas back to its former glory.
A close friend of mine, DeAnna, is in the mist of a vigorgous graduate program with the hopes of utlimately becoming a child life specialst. When she tells people of her future plans, they often laugh at her, thinking she has cleverly constructed a fancier way of saying "teacher" or "nanny". In actuality, a child life specialist works with children suffering mentally and physically. These special individuals dedicate their lives to insuring the well being of these brave little soliders trooping through some of life's obstacles.
One day I received a message from DeAnna, "Please watch this video. This is what I want to do with my life and it is important for people to see good deeds in motion." I immediately clicked on the link that led me to a 10 minute video hosted by news reporter Matt Lauer. He walked through a set of revolving doors and straight into St. Judes Children's Hospital. St. Judes Children's Hospital specializes in the care of children suffering from cancer. Unfortunately cancer among these tiny tots is a growing reality.The staff of St. Judes though not only tend to the chidren's physical aliments, but hire child life specialst to assist in moral building programs and activites. A young, lively girl playing with a doll demonstrated one such acitivty.
"I'm taking care of my dolly and making sure she gets her chemo and radiation," the girl stated
"What is that little hole in her arm?" Matt Lauer asked.
"It's where her port goes in so her cancer goes away on vacation," the little girl responded back matter of factly.
The child life specialists have exhibited through toys, that while treatments seem scary, they will help the cancer pack up its bags and hit the road! The video continued on with a pet show, art classes, and a fun filled pajama party for the whole hospital to enjoy. I was consumed with both gloom and glee as tears slowly trickled down my cheeks. No child deserves to suffer such an awful fate, yet the tactics used to boost optimism were inspiring and fuel for good deeds.
I roamed about my small, suburan town today on a mission to complete some daily errands. The last leg of my journey led me to a nearby shopping center. Walking back to my car, I spied the most beautiful cookie cutters in the window of culinary store, William Sonoma. I had to go in! A burst of hot chocolate and peppermint hit my nostrils as I made my entrance into this Christmas wonderland. I strolled past a sea of reds and greens that would put even Santa's kitchen to shame. My path finally ended at the cookie cutters where I was assisted by a rather nice woman. She sweetly showed me to her register when I finished picking out my purchases.
"Will that be all?" She asked me.
"Yes, I believe so."
"Oh I almost forgot, for the month of December we are asking people if they would like to donate to St. Judes Children's Hospital. Would you care to make a donation of your choosing?"
Choking back tears my mind ventured to DeAnna's heart melting video, "Yes! Of course I will... I'll donate $5 please."
"Wonderful!" She sang back to me.
All of a sudden, the woman walked over to a beautiful, silver Christmas bell and began to ring it. Every employee in the store broke out into a thunderous round of applause. I (along with the other customers) stared dumbfounded at this strange act.
"That bell is for you," the woman said. "You have choosen to help those in need during the Christmas season and for that we are truly greatful." I just blushed a Christmas shade of red, thanked the woman, and headed out the door. When I met the cold winter wind outside all I could feel was warmth. A wave of satisfaction washed over my smiling face for I felt wonderful. I felt joy. I felt Christmas.
This has been the greastest gift I have given. I did not just give to a good cause, I gave to whoever was shopping in that store and heard the bell toll. DeAnna shared the video with me which snowballed to my good deed, and hopefully continues to roll along to others. That bell ringing was a symbol of hope, a symbol of power, a symbol to believe.
So here is my bell ringing, reminding all to believe in good deeds and the spirit of Christmas. Award winning author Chris Van Allsburg beautifully explains the magic of Christmas through a bell in his beloved story The Polar Express.
"Though I've grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."
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