A man has one hundred sheep and one of them is lost. Will he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to look for that one lost sheep? If he finds it, for sure, I tell you, he will have more joy over that one, than over the ninety-nine that were not lost. I tell you, My Father in heaven does not want one of these little children to be lost. MATTHEW 18:12-14
My family has a strange tradition that we enjoy when we get together for Christmas. We break out kazoos and play our favorite Christmas carols (think Name That Tune meets the Gong Show) until we run out of air from laughing and playing. It’s one of my most cherished family memories, and I’m sure your family has its own unique celebrations. How many of your childhood memories center upon the holiday season?
I’d like you to take a moment to think about the families who will spend the holidays at Sheltering Wings this year, without their relative or those traditions that mean so much. Domestic violence affects women and children in so many different ways, and one of the most tragic is disjointed families. Those emotions are most pronounced this time of year.
We do our best to make the holidays warm and festive for our women and children, and I’m especially grateful for the community’s generosity
during the holiday season. Thanks to you and many others, every woman and child has the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving feast and something to open on Christmas morning. We decorate cookies together and watch the children gaze in wonder when Santa comes to visit. Our volunteers take time
from their own family celebrations to make the holidays brighter for our residents, and our donors make generous year-end contributions to ensure that we finish the year strong.
As the year comes to a close, I encourage you to spend extra time with your family. Consider the blessings that the Lord has provided this year and ask how He wants to work in and through you this next year. And, if you can, please carve out some time or treasure for those who could use extra encouragement or support.
Knowing that someone cares is the greatest gift of all.
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