We packed an Operation Christmas Child box last night. I remember packing one last year and how it was a fun experience as a family. I was expecting a similar experience. My 5-year-old daughter chose to fill one for a 2–4-year-old girl. She loves little ones and thought that would be exciting. We talked about where our box might end up and how this child may only receive this one box for Christmas, similar to our conversation from last year.
This year was a little different though. The care I got to see as she picked out toys for another kid was beautiful. She examined each item and wanted to make sure it was something clean off the shelf. She wanted it to fit just right. She wanted specific things that the child could use for a while. She didn’t once ask if she could also pick out a toy, too, as I had expected her to do while shopping. When we had it all filled up back at home, she said with so much sincerity, “mom, I just really hope they like it and have a really Merry Christmas.” Me too, honey. Me too. And I hope they know that Jesus’ love reaches every border of this earth.
I was blessed to watch her pack it, blessed by her words, and in turn, I sure hope it’s a blessing to a precious child. A small act of kindness can affect us in such big ways.
-Carly