share.share.share

Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ. ~Operation Christmas Child

My little one and I stroll through the store aisles, carefully choosing small gifts for a friend across the world we've never met. Josiah happily throws small cars and colorful band-aides and ring pops into the cart.  I have to remind him a few times that we're only buying things for another little boy today. With disappointed eyes, he sets the package of airplanes back on the rack. The candy is put back in the box.

Josiah is learning the hard, life-long lesson that the world does not revolve around him. That there are others truly in need. That selfishness is wrong and ugly. That sharing is beautiful. That giving is fun. That putting others before ourselves is necessary. That the Lord wants and commands us to be a cheerful givers. That Jesus is our example and our motivation. That we must give and not hold back.

So we wrap up those goodies in blue Tow Mater paper and pray for the boy who will receive our box. We tuck in extra Sunday School materials and a small Bible and send it off with lots of love and hope. Because it's not just about the toys and the notebooks and colored pencils. It's about something more. Something priceless.

One thing we never want Josiah to hold back on is sharing is the gift of Jesus.

But to seek out those who so desperately need to know Him. To not keep that Hope to himself, but let it go again and again and again.

Whether it's a shoebox for a little boy or an invitation for a friend or kindness to a stranger. There is a need for Love around every turn. There is no room for selfishness.

Share. share. share.

A lesson we are all learning over and over and over.

Interested in packing up a shoebox? Operation Christmas Child is collecting boxes until November 25th, so there is still plenty of time! Go here to read the details and to find a drop-off location near you. This is the 5th year my family has gotten involved and we love it! We know you will, too.