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Time for a Cuppa!

The Magazine

For all the Family

Have a Cuppa! with Mike

You Can Give it Away

Miriam Capps

It was just a few years ago that I spent my first Christmas vacation in Florida away from my home and family. Well, not quite my family, but my parents and brothers and sisters. My parents and my husband’s parents lived close to each other, so holidays were always spent visiting back and forth between the two of them without ever having to give up a holiday away from our families. We knew we were luckier than most married couples.

A few years ago, Doug’s mother had retired to Florida, but had come home for the holidays every year to be with her sons and daughter. But this year, she extended an invitation for us to visit her when she decided not to come up for Christmas. My husband wanted to be with his mom for the holidays. How could I refuse since I had so many of the other holidays with my family.

But, my heart was not in the right place. It is funny how a grown woman with children of her own could feel like a petulant child inside. I would have to give up spending time with my family. We couldn’t have a Christmas tree there and it was senseless to put one up at home when we would not be there to enjoy it Christmas morning. I listened to my family make plans to celebrate the holidays with each other, the tree trimming party, exchanging gifts, the holiday dinner, and I felt left out. I made the necessary arrangements to go to Florida. And although I tried to hide my disappointment, my heart wasn’t in it.

My husband’s mother, who I affectionately refer to as my “Mom-in-law” was so happy to have us, and the look on my husbands face made it all worthwhile. We walked the sunny beaches, and enjoyed the large water birds that were so scarce in our area. I was glad I had come without putting up a fuss, and I only wished I didn’t feel the resentment of having to give up my family celebrations.

I was again feeling sorry for myself and getting a little short fused when I decided I would have to get out and get some of the shopping that needed doing done. I headed out to the local drug store and wound my way sullenly through the isles trying to find what I needed. When I got to the check out line, of course it was long.

As I stood there listening to the carols that were playing in the background, almost forgetting to feel the resentment that I had to fight to hide. Then just as the person ahead of me was finishing up her order, another woman stood directly behind her, ignoring the fact that I was next in line. She held in her hand only one item. My temper flared inside me. How could she just step in like that. I was next. She shouldn’t take my place. I waited for my turn and now she was going to take it. It wasn’t fair! Nothing was fair! I sent up a quick prayer to keep from making a scene.

Then the radio song changed to O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL and I realized that I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and do what Christ would have me do. I was a Christmas after all. It was then that I realized how tired she looked. She was probably just finishing up a day of work and I was on vacation.

It was then that my heart suddenly changed. I no longer felt the chip on my shoulder. The cashier looked over at me when the woman stepped up to the register. I gave a warm smile and nodded. The warmth from the smile spread from my face all the way to my heart. The bad-temper inside left me and was replaced by the knowledge that for one person I had performed a kind act.

I learned first hand that is more blessed to give than receive.

Note: No part of this story can be reproduced in any way without the author's written permission. All rights remain with the author.

Christmas Stories

And the greatest gift is love By Katherine Chandler

Trees By Jim McConnell

Christmas on the farm

Not long now By Jim McConnell

You can give it away By Miriam Capps

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