Have you ever been minding your own business when something out of the blue let’s you know you’ve changed?
I was at a party.
There were youth every where, when the conversation began . . .
What’s the lamest gift you ever got?
What about you? What about you?
What’s your worst gift?
My curiosity drew my listening ear closer. I wanted to know what they were saying. I wanted to make sure I didn’t give the lamest gift to anyone!
That’s when I heard . . .
Socks, socks, yep socks.
Socks!
My lamest gift was, you guessed, socks!
My heart cried. I wanted to jump up and down letting them know how precious those socks are.
Those aren’t lame gifts, they are a treasure! Ask any person living out on the streets. This mom wanted to make a very good lesson out of this situation, resounding . . .
Socks are the best gift ever!
Imagine you had to walk everywhere you went. You have worn through tennis shoe after tennis shoe, the only thing keeping your bare foot from the street pavement is your socks.
Imagine you’re cold and longing for anything warm for your feet. Your shoes are worn. Your socks are stinky. Your feet are weary, but yet your only mode of transportation.
Imagine walking in their shoes and socks. Yep, you’d soon see that socks are the best gift ever.
I didn’t jump up and down that night.
I refrained and remembered back. Back to when I didn’t know either. Just a few years ago, I had no idea what the streets were like. The street life is hard!
The simple things we take for granted (socks, underwear, hygiene, toothbrushes) are not so simple to come by or use on the streets. As I took the moment in reflecting back on how much I have learned about the world once I stepped out of my comfort zone, I knew I couldn’t judge others for not knowing.
If you don’t know, you don’t know. It’s just that simple – no offense taken. So I lifted a prayer instead that God would help others understand.
And socks appeared!
Lifting up that prayer, God stirred within my heart a notice to make another trip to the streets this holiday season. I hadn’t thought through it yet, when all of the sudden on my phone came the message:
Alene, God has prompted us to bless your street ministry with socks! When you get time tomorrow, can you please give me a call.
Socks! There it was again. The word that had raised a passion within me, was now being provided as a gift.
Socks. If you receive them this year and you think they are lame, please send them my way. I know someone who will consider them a blessing!
If you and I get those “lame” gifts of underwear, ties, socks, ugly sweaters, and even pajamas, let’s remember those gifts are treasures!
Yep, true treasures!
Beautifully expressed Alene! So true. I used to work with the homeless and have been with kids from poverty. The things we take for granted are truly treasures for those who don’t have them. I hope your post will raise more awareness and motivate more giving and gratitude. Keep up the good writing!
I can’t wait to hear more of your story, Sharon! You certainly have first hand knowledge and stories. Trying my hardest hear to be a voice for those who have lost theirs. Blessings friend!