The Christmas season is upon us and generally this time of year makes us all a little happier, nicer, and more apt to lending a hand or being more “generous”. Some of us get into the spirit right after the turkey is gone from the Thanksgiving table, while others don’t get into the spirit until Christmas Eve. However, most eventually get there.
We may give a little more in the offering plate at church, donate to causes we generally do not contribute to such as placing spare change in a Salvation Army kettle, or volunteer your time to make someone’s day a little brighter. We do this out of the spirit of giving. Why is it so hard to be in the spirit of giving throughout the rest of the year?
Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”.
Of course, being a police officer, we at times see the worst of the worst situations. We also get an opportunity to be inspired by some of the best human beings on earth. This year I was inspired by a young 6-year-old boy who told his family he wanted to help others by making blessing bags for those that were experiencing homelessness or were in need. His family reached out to me at the police station because they thought our officers could hand these blessings bags out to the public when officers saw individuals in need. This all occurred in July. This young man was in the giving spirit in the middle of his summer break when he delivered over 100 blessing bags to my agency. When I spoke to him about the blessing bags, he stated he wanted to help others because lots of people in our community don’t have much. What a blessing and inspiration this young man is. This young man has donated blessings bags several times now.
To be Men-in-Action, we are called to be positive role models for our youth and each other. That day…this 6-year-old boy was my positive role model and inspiration to have a giving heart and a spirit to help others all year long, not just in the Christmas season.
Merry Christmas!
Joe Aldridge
Plainfield Police Department
A Man IN Action
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