One of my favorite Christmas traditions is ringing bells for the Salvation Army. I've been volunteering for about 10 years now and I look forward to it every year. The closer to Christmas I can schedule my shifts, the happier I am. Christmas Eve is always the best - people in the Christmas spirit throwing coins and money into the kettle and giving you a hearty "Merry Christmas".
I have rang bells at many locations in Bismarck and Mandan. Some of the venues were busier than others. Some of the retailers were more accommodating than others. Some of the stores allow you inside and others prefer that you do your ringing in the entry way or outside the store. Over the years, the clappers in the bell have been replaced with paper clips. It gives a nice little tinkle without driving the clerks over the edge.
The two hour shifts go quickly as you ring your bell, wish the passersby Merry Christmas and hand out candy canes. Those hours have given me time to engage in one of my hobbies - watching people. And there has been much to see. Some people will greet you with a sincerely hello and others will not make eye contact at you as they walk by. There are those who look harried and tired. Others seem ready to take on the world. The little children will approach you timidly with a coin tightly clutched in their hand and give their gift. Others will give as they pass by almost as if they hope you don't notice them.
A couple of people have stopped and talked to me as they passed by. One woman told me that the Salvation Army had saved her brother's life many years ago and she was grateful for their kindness in the midst of his misery.
It seems, in some cases, that those who look least likely to be able to afford to give are more generous than those who pass by in nice clothes carrying shopping bags from high end stores. I am not there to judge or make anyone feel guilty. What you do or do not give is between you and God.
I was talking with a dear friend earlier this week who felt God leading her to a helping agency in our community. She was given the first name of a child whose family will have a very bleak Christmas. She had a blast shopping for clothes and gifts for this child and her family. As we were talking, my faithful dog, Lucy, was laying at my feet snoozing. It hit me at that moment that my pets live better than some people in my community. She always has a warm house and safe shelter. Lucy has food and treats every day. Her medical needs are taken care of promptly and preventive care is done by the vet of my choice at my convenience. She is always cared for by kind people who treat her well. The fact that people in my town struggle every day without essential needs.
About five years ago, I began setting aside time for our elementary after school church children and our youth group to ring bells. Not only is it a worthy organization, but it helps them remember that there are many in our community that are much less fortunate than they are. This is, by far, one of the kids' favorite activities. Our church family took a day of bell ringing at a retail store and were blessed for the experience.
Giving of yourself during this Christmas season is an amazing gift. In the case of the Salvation Army, they know that kettles that have volunteers ringing bells collect more money than those kettles without a volunteer. Giving of your time,which is a precious commodity, is one of the greatest gifts. You have to look no farther than your own children to know what a difference your time makes.
I pray that God would lead you to give of yourselves, your time and your heart this Christmas. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
