Monday, December 20, 2010

Life is good, Ashley's children and ringing

- The sanctuary of my church after the Lessons and Carols service last night. The stool on the left held a young man playing the guitar, surrounded by wee children singing Silent Night. A lovely way to end the service. And then there were cookies after. Life is good.

- Receiving Christmas cards from two friends I haven't been in touch with for a few years. Ashley sends a picture of her children - three of them, under the age of five. All as beautiful as she is.

- On Saturday night, my friends and I rang the bell for the Salvation Army at a nearby mall. This is my fifth year ringing in front of the Macy's entrance. So many generous people. One family has a lesson in giving when a father kneels with his three children nearby, pointing at the kettle. Then they come over and each one puts money in, smiling shyly. I thank them and wish them each a Merry Christmas. One of the little boys turns back and waves as they head to their car.

12 comments:

Fireblossom said...

Oh, how cute do those kids sound??? That had to leave you smilin'.

Hey, I'm back! And I'm first, lol. I swear I've had you on follow for months, but suddenly you aren't on my list, so I will remedy that immediately.

TALON said...

Silent Night sung by children - one of the most beautiful Christmas carols.

It's lovely when children learn the importance of giving...and this time of year is just the absolute perfect time to exemply it.

How could the little boy resist waving at you, Lynn? He knew you'd wave back with a smile :)

LL Cool Joe said...

Children singing Silent Night and cookies?? Indeed life is good. Thank you for reminding us of that everyday. :)

Louvregirl said...

Hey Lynn~ I love that last comment
describing your work ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. W-a-y cool.
:)

Riot Kitty said...

Hang in there today! Lovely photo.

Lynn said...

FB -

I hear there is a new computer - it is good to have you back in the a.m.
And yes - that did leave me smiling. :)

Talon -

A wonderful moment that made the season for me. I was blown away by the generosity of people and I loved the children the most.

Joe -

Thank you for coming by my blog every day!

lg -

My church rings all day in two hour shifts at three entrances at that mall. I like doing it at that time - 6-8pm.

Riot Kitty -

Thank you, my friend. And I was sitting in just the spot to view that scene and vowed to photograph it when the service was over.

Maude Lynn said...

I love letting my little one put money in the Salvation Army kettle!

Lance said...

Silent Night is such a beautiful (and peaceful) song. And...followed by cookies...that DOES sound like all sorts of wonderful!!

Anil P said...

Silent Night is so beautiful. So nice to picture the young learn the tradition of humanity.

Snaggle Tooth said...

What a pretty decoration job of the sanctuary in your pic! Sounds like a perfect holiday show! I'm still trying to get cards out I missed doing last year- Some folks card's are all the "in touch" we get with the personal notes n pics! I love those-
The bell thing sounds like fun n a good deed too. Got a new friend there. I love interacting with young folks.

desk49 said...

Been on vacation. Will I'm still on vacation.


The children song
the young man played
Silent Night on a guitar
as the night slipped away

Three little children
under the tree
now the mom is as proud
as she could be

Salvation is strong
as people gives alms
little kids giving freely
as the bell I rung

Lynn said...

Mama Zen -

That's nice - I'm glad you do that.

Lance -

It's my favorite church service of the year.

Anil -

Thank you - I think so, too.

Snaggle -

I know - I especially love getting those cards with the kids pictures on them.

Ellis -

Vacation? How nice. And thank you for my poem. A good one. :)