Beating the 'Bah Humbug'

I went out into "Black Friday" just long enough yesterday to return home saying "bah humbug!"  While I love celebrating Christmas - including giving gifts - I hate setting foot into stores this time of year.  Crowds, impatient people, and the 'you aren't complete unless you have this' marketing schemes all get me down.

But I've found one thing that helps to beat the "bah humbugs."  When I pass by a Salvation Army red kettle, I toss in a dollar.  It doesn't matter if I pass three in a day, I still make the effort to toss in money every time I go by (unless I'm passing by the same kettle on the way in and out of the building!).

A few days ago, as I was standing outside in very cold temperatures while I dug into my wallet looking for money, one of the bells ringers suggested that I simply make a donation through my smart phone.  Even if I could (I don't have a smart phone), I wouldn't.  I explained to him that it was the action of always stopping to give some money as I shopped that was important to me.

He looked at me like I was a little crazy.  How could I explain that the act of throwing some money in a kettle helped me to remember that I have so much, while the people the Salvation Army serve have so little?  It puts all the craziness inside the stores into perspective.

Next time you are in a 'bah humbug' mood, intentionally stop at that red kettle and throw something in.  The Salvation Army is one of the most effective and efficient organizations out there in serving those who are neediest.  And as you throw something in?  Pause and say a prayer... of thanksgiving for all that you have... as well as a prayer that God would bring hope to whoever is on the other end of you donation.