Merry Christmas

My husband and I had just left Fiesta Villa. It was late on a frigid, below-zero night, and we scurried to our vehicle parked a block away. Right by the billiard hall across the street sat an older woman on a bench, wrapped in layers of sweaters, coats, and scarves, slowly sipping a hot drink from a nearby gas station. She had her cart of belongings beside her, covered with black plastic. It took me a moment to realize that she was homeless. We greeted her, she greeted us back, and we kept walking.

I don't know why she wasn't at the local homeless shelter, I don't know why she didn't hitchhike south for the winter, but it was a stark reminder for me that our humble little community still has people in need. Many of us feel a bit cash-strapped lately, but even a little bit helps. With time off from my job over the holidays, I've been cleaning out closets and cupboards, and my recent kitchen clean-up resulted in a couple bags full of non-perishable food cluttering my shelves (how did I end up with 5 cans of kidney beans?). If you find yourself in the same situation, Ruth Meiers Hospitality House and the Ronald McDonald House will be happy to take those items off your hands.

Stealing a phrase from a card we received recently: Peace on Earth will come and stay when we live Christmas everyday.

Have a very Merry Christmas.