She works long hours
day after day
struggling to make a few dollars.
Hiding it carefully away.
Planning Christmas for her young children.
Yes, day after day she comes to work.
Weary with the additional hours
and longing to somehow find the time
to buy a few things for her little ones.
A game here.
A small trike.
Some blocks.
Not much by this world’s standards
But she knows her kids will be happy.
Day after day she works at that counter
and sometimes wishing that people would realize
how very hard she tries to do her job.
I noticed her as I stood in line the other day.
She and so many like her
need our kindness
and care.
It can be a very hard time for many.
Carrying heavy burdens.
Struggling to make ends meet.
My heart longs to lift their burdens
and to whisper to them
that Jesus knows and cares.
So much that I can’t do
But this I can.
When it came my turn
I met her eyes and gave her a warm greeting.
I smiled and encouraged her.
Suddenly her face broke into the biggest smile.
Yes, just a simple word
makes a huge difference to those who are working so hard.
Let’s give what we can
and let Him use us
to make this Christmas
the best ever.
In our corner of the world
let’s light the way
so that others might know
that He is the reason for the season.
Yes, joy to the world
the Lord has come. 
Sharon, thank you for reminding us (for reminding me!) of the value of a kind gesture or acknowledgement that, “Yes, I see you. I appreciate you.” What a difference a smile makes to someone who’s been getting scowls all day! PTL, you have such a lovely smile too. 🙂
Thank you, Mary. Your kinds words bless me!! Merry Christmas, dear friend.
Yes, so often it is the little things that count. The little things for us can be huge for someone else. It’s like that cup of water that Jesus talks about giving to the least of his brothers. That keeps coming to mind a lot recently. We can be so busy trying to change the world, our idea of ‘The World’, that we miss the person right in front of us and the small word or action that means the world to them.
Thank you for your comments. Yes, it’s the one right in front of us that we must touch. So true!!