Happy Tears

I just finished wrapping what Santa is bringing my children. My husband took the kids to the movies and lunch so I could have the afternoon to do my wrapping. Sweet, sweet man.

I sat down at the computer while my leftover pizza warmed in the toaster oven. I opened an e-mail from Samaritan's Purse, which is the organization that Franklin Graham (Billy's son) runs. We participate in their Operation Christmas Child program every year. The boxes have to be turned in before Thanksgiving, so shopping for those is the first Christmas-y thing we do every year. It sorta puts me in the holiday mood.

So anyway, I was clicking through the pictures on the Samaritan's Purse website (2008: The Year in Pictures). When this picture came up, I started crying.



It was one of those cries that you're not expecting, ya know? The joy on those kids' faces is so pure. Most of them probably never, ever received a gift in their lives, so that box full of toys and whatnot is a treasure trove. I've GOT to make even more shoe boxes next year!

Merry Christmas, y'all. I pray that the joy on your faces is like the joy in those kids' hearts, and I hope that the joy lasts throughout the year and doesn't fade at sunset tomorrow.

Merry, Merry Christmas and Happy, Happy, JOYFUL New Year!