I know that I have to move from speaking about Jesus to letting him speak within me, from thinking about Jesus to letting him think within me, from acting for and with Jesus to letting him act through me. I know the only way for me to see the world is to see it through his eyes. ~ Henri Nouwen
I thought of Nouwen when I received an unusual Christmas present yesterday. I was given chickens. They’re a gift to help me see the world through His eyes as I watch someone else let Him act through them. The chickens came in a card that said this: Greetings! A life-changing gift has been given in your name to benefit a child or family in need.
I live a very simple life, but I’ve been blessed with more than I need. The giver of the chickens has all that she needs, but certainly less than I have. The actual recipient of the chickens lives in a place where her most basic need for food and clothing and shelter aren’t met.
So this year, she’ll get chickens – soup for the soul. The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40
My only part in this gift was to share in the joy! My needs are abundantly met now, but that hasn’t always been the case. There was a time when I received my own Greeting. It said: Don’t be afraid; I bring you good news of a great joy … For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord!
True soup for the impoverished soul.
Two Minutes of Grace 
Thank you, dear Debbie, for feeding our souls with this post. We have all seen Him a little better today! What joy! God bless you right where you are, with all of Him you have!
Deb – Two years ago, my cousin gave me a mammogram for Christmas (I don’t have any insurance), this year my daughter gave me chickens. 😀 Both were warm gifts of love, gratefully received.
Debbie
The Christmas season reminds us to be charitable. And, as you said, there are different kinds of poverty. We can each give something to someone in need: whether it be chickens or a kind word.
Aunt Melanie – Indeed, the poverty of the soul is the ultimate tragedy. It’s amazing how much healing comes in the gift wrap of kindness.
~ Debbie
Beautiful Debbie – thank you for sharing with us
God Bless
Susie – It was exactly the right gift for the occasion! Maybe when we wonder what to get for someone, we’ll be prompted to think of giving the gift of giving.
~ Debbie
Praise God! What an awesome gift! What an awesome post!
Dear jellie – it was a sweet gift and one I’ll remember for a long time.
~ Debbie
Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if more gifts were chickens instead of the over rated material world we occupy. I have been called scrooge this time of the year but I do not partake in the buying of useless gifts when everywhere we turn, people are hurting through no fault of there own. It seems every year people get further and further away from the meaning of Christmas.
Jill – If I had the means, I would so love to be a year round Secret Santa – secretly paying for groceries or electric bills – and maybe bringing a little hope. I agree with you, it almost seems like it would be better to separate Xmas and Christmas into two holidays. Then Christmas might be more like Hanukkah – celebrated by the observant and out of the retail isles.
~ Debbie
Ok, i’m thick. It took me awhile to realize You weren’t the person with Chickens. Still, God’s animals are OK with me.
That is a great gift — to have someone think of your as a person who would supply food for those in Need. So thoughtful.
Good lesson too. We have plenty; quite enough. Thanks for this!
Melis – it was a gift that says so much about the giver, wasn’t it?
~ Debbie
Nice. We’ve received similar gifts and they are more satisfying to be sure. Helps put things in perspective and adjust the focus on the real celebration. Thank you Debbie.
Dear Debby – It does, doesn’t it? It made me happier than any ‘regular’ gift I could have been given. It felt like a double celebration! 😀
~ Debbie