Thankful for Sometimes Having to Go Without

When I was younger, we didn’t always have enough. Sometimes Christmas was scarce and sometimes we found food in miraculous places. Even through my marriage in four and half years, we’ve found ourselves with too much bills and no money at times throughout the years. Someone always came to the rescue with help in the form of food or clothing and sometimes even a little cash. Because of this, I’ve always felt the need to give, especially around the Holidays.

As I’m sure you’ve seen the Holidays and a bad economy don’t mix. Today my boss took us on a drive downtown to see all of the countless homeless people in our city. People walking with barely enough warmth on their bodies holding hands of their children were the sights that filled our eyes. We were moved to action. How can so many people be without in this great nation? How can so many people be struggling to make ends meet whilst most have more than enough? We decided that we were going to do a clothing drive to donate to our local Rescue Mission and homeless shelters. We already have a drive going for the Idaho Food Bank but after witnessing such despair found that this was not enough. I work in a dealership of 100+ people and if everyone donated 5 cans of food, $5 dollars, or 5 pieces of clothing, think of the vast difference one shop can make on one city.

Today I challenge everyone reading this to take a moment and find something you can live without this season. I wish we could all be moved to do this every three or four months, but for now let’s at least make the cold days a little brighter for some. Donate your old shoes, donate a scarf because you have six, donate a pair of jeans or a pack of socks, donate a coat, donate a can of peas because they’ve sat in your cupboard and you are not eating them, donate money, just DONATE! I can guarantee somewhere in your city someone is accepting donations. Take them to the homeless shelters, ask your bishops if someone in the ward is in need, or find a local store (like ours) and donate! Believe me your heart will be blessed for giving in the time of need and when it is your turn to need may you be blessed with the reciprocation of love and giving!