Giving Angels

We are told to focus on the giving, rather than the receiving, this time of year. I feel rather successful at that as I gather bargains and stack them in the back of the closet for Matt and the kids. I feel that I did my part in slipping that truth into my recent primary lesson. But it is beyond my selected packages and my lip service in a teaching position, that I recently witnessed the joy of such giving.

This past Sunday, Meg met me after her church class was done with an angel ornament in hand. A delicate glass figure. As she began lifting it towards me, I assumed it might be for a parent and began visualising where this beautiful addition would perfectly fit in our home. Her words of, "this is not for me...my teacher said that she will tell me who I am to give it to..." took me back. No, I wasn't crushed that it'd be given elsewhere. I was more confused. Had Meg heard only part of the instructions? What was I to help her do with this angel?

She and I found, and slid into, a spot next to her teacher and asked for a repeat of directions. The teacher explained that she and the kids had talked about giving and that she had figured that each child in the class could give an angel to someone in ward that was in special need of it. What an extra-mile way to teach the kids hands-on! I sat back and watched as this teacher scanned the congregation. One could tell that she had a short list in mind, but needed to be sure each was there that day.

Spotting a man walk through the open back doors, we were given his name and the assignment to get the angel into his hands that day. Together, Meg and I approached this wonderful man on the back row. Recently widowed, a little extra love for him was perfect. As Meg quietly set the angel in his hands, I explained to him her most recent class lesson on giving. Meg whispered a sincere "Merry Christmas." Repeating it louder, to be heard. He was taken aback and smiled. Worried that she would "not have one now," he fumbled in his pocket and presented her with a Riesen candy in exchange. Both he and she were happy and had a token of love in their hands! Not just tangible items anymore, the angel and candy both became small representations of a sweet moment.

Meg has been blessed by and has learned many things from her teacher. Each weekly lesson has been above and beyond. But, as the year winds down, what better lesson could the teacher have prepared than one which enabled the children to turn around and head out on their own?! This teacher had looked beyond her circle of seven-year-olds. Rather than keeping the "do good/help others" lesson within the small realm of their classroom, she sent each out as an angel placing an angel on the lap of one in need.

As I've finished the last minute preparations around here for my small circle, I have thought about Meg's primary teacher several times. Grateful to have had that moment this season, I question: Do I look beyond my circle? Do I get what I have into laps more needing? Do I create chances for my Little Ones to practice what they just heard preached? Hope so.