Last week I went to the mall in search of an Angel Tree. It was on my heart to donate this way this year. To help a family in need. This was a very humbling experience for me. As I stood in front of the tree looking at all the names and needs, it made me sad to think that if these names were not taken from the tree, they would most likely not be getting anything for Christmas. It brought tears to my eyes. Standing there, I realized how much I really take for granted. I am reminded of it often, but this really made an impact on me. I scanned the tree looking at what the needs were and was drawn to a 5 yr old girl named Maggie. I chose her because of Jimmy Wayne's song Paper Angels (he uses that name in the song). I took the angel off the tree and decided I would buy her the puzzles she asked for. I noticed that she also needed a coat. I didn't intend to do that much because I don't have much extra money, but my heart kept telling me I had to. I wouldn't want my children to go without a coat if they needed one, so I couldn't not buy one for this little girl. The $25 I spent on the coat and puzzle doesn't seem like enough and I wish I could do more. I am so glad that I made this donation and helped a family even though I don't know who they are. It felt really good to help in this way. And I plan to do it every year from now on.
I also decided that I will pray for Maggie and her family. I pray that whatever their situation is, that it gets better but most of all that they feel God's love and presence in their life. That if they don't know him, they come to know him. I am thankful that I had the opportunity and the encouragement of Jimmy Wayne to donate to this project.
"Paper Angels, you're in my thoughts and prayers. No matter where you are right now, remember God's right there. He's asking all of us to help take care of his Paper Angels eveywhere." -Jimmy Wayne
