A Gift that might not have happened Otherwise

My wife, Shana, has been in charge of the Angel Tree at Saint Stephen’s for a few years now, doing almost all of it without much help from me.  This year I was fortunate enough to help a little more, taking our kids shopping for our “Angel” and helping load the Greater Birmingham Ministries van last Friday to deliver all of the gifts to GBM. 

Christmas gifts being delivered to Greater Birmingham Ministries

Both of those activities were fun and special in their own way, and I would encourage anyone to do them both.  The time spent with my kids, watching them plan and pick out and think of other kids was very unique; and it was wonderful to see their caring and recognition of their own blessings.  For me though, the day we loaded the van was the most special.  As I looked in the van that was loaded to the brim with new bicycles in getting ready to head to GBM, I couldn’t help but think that each of those bikes represented a Christmas that may not have otherwise happened. 

GBM Van filled with bicycles

That really hit home that day and was probably the first time in the busyness of the season that I stopped to reflect upon our little church’s impact on the community.  It’s a very tangible impact, right here at home.  As the driver from GBM said, “as far a giving this year, we were knee-high, and Saint Stephen’s brought us to head high.”  My hope is our gifts are delivered without agenda or judgment, and a message of love and hope hits home for all involved.

- Zach Peagler