Fingerprint Friday

My thoughts today are with those who can't be with their families.

One of my co-workers helped found a non-profit organization that sends shoebox-sized care packages to the troops each Christmas. Almost everyone in my office contributes every year. This year was harder, and donations were down. But we just received word the total sent this year was more than 2,000 pounds. I find that simply amazing!

An even brighter Christmas miracle is that all 527 packages arrived before Christmas, even though they were sent late this year to accommodate one unit's relocation. We have been receiving emails this week from some of the recipients, people we may never meet but who feel like part of our family now.

One commanding officer wrote: "Your generosity is touching. Like many of the Soldiers under my command, we are here for our 2nd and 3rd tours in Iraq, and so we see how out of touch back home in America many people are. It is people and families like you guys that help remind us there are people in the States who still live by a set of values and morals that we should be passing along to our children, not those of materialism and possession. Thank you for your kindness and goodwill; the snacks and toiletries would be taken for granted by many but not those of us here. Thank you and enjoy your holidays with your families. In the end, family is all that is truly important."

The Lizard and I didn't have much to send this year, just like many others. The wishlist included, among a host of basic necessities, MP3s and magazines. So I sent about 400 songs from my 80s and 90s CD collection, and The Lizard parted with some of his favorite cycling magazines. The best Christmas gift is not the one you receive. It's the one you give.

Merry Christmas!

***

Steven Curtis Chapman sings:

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with
The fingerprints of God

PamperingBeki challenges bloggers each Friday to discover, recognize and see God's fingerprints and share them with the rest of the world. See instructions to join in here. Also check the other blogs linked there to see more great Fingerprints!

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