Week 4, Day 5: Selfless

Not me. Someone else. Actually, a couple of little someone-elses. Tatyana and Aliyah. This morning, I woke up early to go to what I felt in my soul would be the key ingredient to making my Christmas season more focused on Christ. I went and participated in a program that helps underprivileged children get Christmas. Donors give money in increments of $90, and each child gets to spend that much money on whatever they want, and we go along to help. I, along with two friends from my ward, went with the two selfless girls mentioned above and shown below, Tatyana and Aliyah.

Aren't they darling? They are Aliyah, left and Tatyana, right.

Let the shopping begin.

Because both girls dance, we set out for dance clothing first, and made our way through the jungle of carts and children and excitement. After clothes, we headed to toys. I personally went with Tatyana and my friend Jesika, and after finding a new dance outfit and two toys, Tatyana said, "I want to get something for my brother." Wow, very sweet. 

Tatyana and I with the loot!

As we went along, we counted down the amount she was spending. After selecting something, we would say, "Okay, that was $6, and we had $44 left. We now have $38 dollars to go." After each selection, which began to be for her family members, I would say, "Okay, $24 to go. Do you want to go get another toy?" 

"No," she would say, "there's my dad, mom, dad's girlfriend, etc." I was absolutely amazed. It opened my eyes to how selfish I can be sometimes. I get that, "it's all about me!" attitude, and think far too much about myself waaay more than I would like to admit.

Carrying the toys like Santa. In a way, she really was like him! Few of the things in the bag on her back are for her. Darling!

I am grateful for these two girls that in their sweetness thought little of themselves and mostly of others. It opened my eyes, and will hopefully help me to shift my focus this season. It was a great way to start my day.

 The happy, smiling group!

P.S. I just had to add this. This sweet boy was SO elated to have a new bike that he rode it in the cart on the way out of the store. Now that is a face of joy!