Early Christmas

I am a single mom who depends on monthly child support. I have not received any money for the past seven weeks due to my children's father losing his job. I have been patient and have trusted God to provide, which He has. My children's father started a new job recently and I was expecting my support to start in plenty of time to buy Christmas presents for my kids. However, the court system informed me last Thursday that it would be another four or five weeks until I would start seeing income.

I went to my children's father hoping he would give me the support freely so I could buy some presents. He stated that he didn’t have any extra to give and that he might be getting laid off from his new job soon. Yes, I was anxious and feeling nervous, but from somewhere deep inside I decided to not worry about it, that God was bigger than this issue and that He would provide so that my kids wouldn’t be disappointed Christmas morning.

All along I have been telling my kids that it would be a small Christmas this year. We have been discussing the real meaning of Christmas, and they definitely know that presents are second to Christ, family and friends. The next day at work, one of my co-workers handed me an envelope with $220 in it. Several people had heard that I had received the bad news from the courts and went together to raise some money for us. At first I felt embarrassed and even ashamed. I’m usually on the giving end of the equation, and I’m not used to be on the receiving end. I had to swallow my pride and accepted the gift. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of money to provide for my children’s needs; but the wants are sometimes unheard of!!

I am thankful to God for providing for us in this way. God works in many ways, one of which is through other Christians and their generous hearts. I feel like I’ve already had Christmas this year, my gift was in receiving love and support from God through His people.

Rachel Wylie