THE CHRISTMAS BOOT

Remember that one time last year when I saw the new Footloose movie and fell in love with the red boots the character Ariel was wearing. They are Frye boots. If you know nothing about Frye boots, just know that they are very expensive. I tried several pairs on, but I couldn't convince myself to spend that much money on myself. So I tried alternative red boots. Fail. Fail. Fail.

While I was trying on all those boots, one night I found a wallet in a parking lot at a big NYE party. I opened the wallet to see SEVERAL Benjamin Franklins staring me in the face...probably enough to buy those boots I wanted. Without even thinking twice, I took the wallet inside the building of the party and turned it in...just the way I found it.

For the next year, I worked really hard writing blog posts/articles earning "points"I could turn into Amazon.com gift cards so I could purchase those almost (not really) forgotten Frye boots and not feel guilty. I did it! I earned enough to make a size 8 pair of cognac Melissa Button boots mine.

But then I realized it was almost Christmas. I felt like I was supposed to be home with my family for the holidays. I didn't race to get employment, but instead kept my time free to help friends and others around the community who needed it. Thanks to my dang heart that is too big, I decided to spend that Amazon money I worked so hard to earn to provide awesome gifts for OTHERS instead of myself. From hours spent  in warehouses or boutiques, to smiling for photos with kiddies and Santa, to free baby and even dog sitting....I filled my time with wonderful holiday service.

I tried really hard to give gifts that would make others smile and show I care about them (some anonymously and some not) because I learned from the Bible in Acts 20:35 ...It is more blessed to a give than to receive.

Guess I'll have to wait until next year for the real Christmas boot on my list.