The Power of a Shoebox

Photo by Katherine Conrad on Unsplash

As Christmas is just around the corner, The Shoebox program called Operation Christmas Child is in full swing once again.

As per usual our church has been busy collecting boxes and items for this wonderful program sponsored by the organization called, Samaritan’s Purse. 

I often imagine the kids who will be on the receiving end of these boxes full of treasures, and it always makes me smile. Thinking that this may be the one and only gift these kids will ever receive in their lifetimes, is really hard to fathom. 

In our society it is not uncommon close to Christmas to see our own Christmas trees at home overflowing with gifts all around it. So many of us are so blessed. 

For many of us, we do not really need anything at all, yet are still fortunate to have gifts under the tree, year after year with our names on them.

Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels

Our family has been packing boxes for twenty five years. It is a beautiful tradition and believe me we try to cram as much as possible into each and every shoebox. 

I remember the first year we got involved with this wonderful experience vividly. My daughter Shannon was only one at the time, but three-year-old Tyler was delighted to accompany us on our trip to fill the boxes. 

He had a grand old time at the Dollarama with us. On a mission, he carried a basket around with so much glee and enthusiasm. As I had explained what we were doing, he was perfectly delighted to find lots of great treats and treasures that filled his basket to the absolute brim. 

To my surprise never once did he ask for things for himself. This was shocking and surprising to me as he was only three. No matter how loaded the basket got, he insisted on carrying it all by himself which was both commendable and sweet. 

When we were finally ready to check out though, he really struggled to lift his heavy basket onto the checkout counter. This caught the attention of an older lady. In fact she had been curiously observing us for quite some time. 

As we went to the check-out she very sarcastically said “My, aren’t WE a lucky boy!” Without missing a beat, Tyler completely put that woman in. her. place. saying, “Look lady! These things aren’t for me. They are for the poor children!” The lady, now red in the face, quickly apologized and immediately left the store. 

This is a moment I will always remember and it does make me chuckle. It is hard to forget when a three-year-old, brings a busybody down to size. I’d say you’ve been told lady and a three-year-old gets it better than you.

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash

It is incredible how this program has helped people look beyond their own experiences. I have seen very poor families come in with boxes and items and I know what a great sacrifice that must have been for them. 

I have heard of others who instead of buying for each other, pack a box. Other folks host parties where they all bring items and pack boxes as a group. This experience has really brought people together as they strive to show God’s love in practical ways throughout the holiday season. 

My students in the past have brought in items and helped me pack boxes as well.  It really gave them an opportunity to understand how blessed we are in Canada and how giving to others is so very important.

Photo by Preslie Hirsch on Unsplash

I watched a video on Facebook of children receiving their boxes from Operation Christmas Child and was so touched with the indescribable joy that they showed when the boxes were placed in their hands. 

What really blew me away was one boy was dancing, high fiving his friends and jumping for joy without even opening the box yet. 

How many of us would show that level of appreciation before we even unwrapped a gift? Not many I am afraid to say.  If anything, we MAY show a smaller version of this after the paper has been shredded, but definitely not before. This is an interesting thing to ponder. 

​You see, the excitement was felt at first in the mere gesture of receiving a gift, and the opening of the gift was really an added bonus. Wow! That short video was very humbling for me, as it showed extreme gratitude in its purest form.

I wonder, when have I ever been THAT grateful? It is hard to articulate. Perhaps when I was a child and I received that much hoped for toy?

I do remember when Cabbage Patch dolls were all the rage and I wanted one so desperately. Unfortunately if you were able to get ANY Cabbage Patch doll at that time, you were extremely lucky because they were always in short supply. 

By some miracle though, my parents actually got one and surprised me with it for my birthday. Understandably upon receiving it I was beside myself. I could not comprehend that they had found one. They were THAT hard to buy! From that moment on Raymond Fred and I lived happily ever after and to this day he is a doll I still cherish. My parents had such joy giving him to me too. It was very sweet to witness them grinning from ear to ear as I did the dance of joy with him. 

So why does it change and getting gifts has become so commonplace for us? We don’t have to wonder IF we will get something, but instead wonder WHAT we will get. 

This Christmas, let’s not forget about those who are less fortunate. Let’s reflect upon the types of kids who are a part of the shoebox program. Let’s learn from their example and be truly grateful for all we have. Their thankful hearts and appreciation are absolutely inspiring and we can certainly learn much from them.

If you are interested in Operational Christmas Child or the great work of Samaritan’s Purse here is the link.

Until next time,
Dana


1 Thessalonians 5:18 ~ Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.


Little Lesson Learned: An expression of extreme gratitude is at times a rare occurrence. Let’s be mindful of all we have this holiday season and beyond.

Tags: giving gifts, less fortunate, missions, Operation Christmas Child, Samaritans purse, shoebox program, Christmas

Copyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi) second edition / first edition 2015: Smiles in a Shoebox

Author

Dana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, blogger, author, and speaker. Dana desires to "love God and love people" whole heartedly. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much needed encouragement. Dana lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or blogging, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books.