A Christmas Gift to Remember

I had something amazing happen to me tonight.  I have heard stories like this, and now I have one of my own. 

You see, we are certainly not destitute right now, but money is tight.  And we are working very hard to keep our feet under us.  I would describe our world as a stressful and delicate dance.  I am seeking for the balance of work and family and faith and money.  There is a bitter-sweetness to our situation.  We are working so very hard and that means less time at home.  But the joy felt when we are home, ah, that is a beautiful thing to share.  And we can truly cherish it because it is such a contrast to our time away. 

There are a few things I really wish for at this time.  Like a good haircut and some professional family pictures.  They are not quite in the need category, and yet they are a bit more important than the want category.  I have put them off since money is tight.  To increase that stress a bit, Avind got sick on Wednesday morning and I got to stay home with the boys.  It was heavenly to be with them, but as I have mentioned before, as a long-term sub I do not get sick days or personal leave, which means I don't get paid but I still have to pay for daycare.  Additionally, Blake is in St. George this weekend for Amber and Cord's Temple Sealing; that is absolutely wonderful, but adds a measure of business for myself.  To increase the challenge, the kids really had a difficult time going back to school after two days at home and clung to me.

After a long day we headed to the church for our church's Christmas party this evening. I came in, toting my clingy and very hungry little ones, looking very busy I am sure.  An older man in our ward, who I met last Sunday, began a conversation with us about how we came about moving to Bozeman and our current adventures.  He has lived here for 50 years or so and told us a bit about understanding about starting out in a new place.  He asked if I was stressed and I laughed and said, "Yeah, we are stressed.  But we will make it through." As I crouched down to clean up the smashed candy cane Avind was scattering all over the floor, this man took my hand and stuffed a $100 bill into it and said, "Here, take this." I couldn't believe it.  I stared at the numbers on that bill as it registered what he had just done. With tears running down my cheeks I tried to thank him. He told me, "I know where you are.  We have been there before.  I appreciated your testimony last Sunday and the efforts you are making. You are going to make it." And he patted my hand, smiling, and walked away. 

My heart is so full.  I am grateful for the good people here in Montana that have blessed us in so many ways.  And I am grateful for the very personal tender mercies the my Heavenly Father has given me lately as a reminder that he is ever aware of my needs and desires.  This is a Christmas gift I will always remember.