A widow's mite: Christmas gifts turn selfishness into gratitude
As Christmas approached, I was excited one day to return to our apartment and hear the telephone ringing. A prominent member of our congregation was calling to invite us to their home for Christmas Eve dinner. What a wonderful invitation! I hung up the phone excited to share the good news with my companion. He interrupted me to say that earlier in the day, he, too, had accepted a Christmas Eve invitation from another member of our congregation, Mrs. Dombrowski.
Faced with a difficult decision, we began to analyze our dilemma. We decided that we would kindly call Mrs. Dombrowski and apologize that we could not accept her invitation. The prominent family always treated the missionaries well. Conversely, Mrs. Dombrowski was a poor widow living in a tough side of town in very humble circumstances.
We finally decided that we would arrive early to the Dombrowski home, visit quickly and then slip away to enjoy a nice Christmas dinner with the other family. Christmas Eve came quickly. Instead of arriving
After dinner, Mrs. Dombrowski sang us Christmas carols at the accompaniment of an old player piano that was seriously out of tune. As she sang, my thoughts reflected upon my family, how they were gathered together participating in a similar activity. After only a few moments, I expressed to her that we would need to leave soon. I still remember the disappointed look on her face. She asked if we could stay for just another few minutes. We hesitantly said yes. She then rushed out of the room.
Recent comments
What a beautiful Christmas story Mark. As tears are flowing down my...
Laurie | Dec. 24, 2008 at 9:25 p.m.
This story brought tears...I loved the jello story too and I cried...
Anonymous | Dec. 24, 2008 at 8:38 p.m.
Thanks:7:43am- The story of the box of Jello is one of my favorites...
Luce | Dec. 24, 2008 at 8:19 p.m.
- Two American pilots die in Iraq 12:47 a.m.
- Murder suspect is vetran, avid skier 12:47 a.m.
- MLB: Zambrano's mom kidnapped 12:32 a.m.
- Lambert surprisingly tops news 12:25 a.m.
- Philadelphia transit strike ends 12:25 a.m.
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd 12:24 a.m.
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf' 12:17 a.m.
- RSL unfazed by conference final 12:17 a.m.
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated 12:17 a.m.
- Today on TV 12:13 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
216 - House passes health care bill
201 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
151 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
129 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Thousands protest health bill
102 - Provo company innovating engines
101 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89 - BYU cuts Women's Research Institute
88
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
NASA's Stardust probe continues to bring new knowledge about the nature...
STOP blaming the Democrats, BLAME THE REPUBLICANS FOR 8 YEARS DOING NOTHING...
The best way to break the law is to become someone who enforces the law.
It's a real shame so many folks have never gotten out and gotten to know the...
It's all talk... you do not have any evidence for your claims. You assume...
Maybe if you could bat .408 in the major leagues, you too would be paid a...
I prefer the “Wizard of Earthsea” quartet by Ursula Le Guin, an...
The bottom line question that no one can possibly answer is; what will be the...
It looks to me like special treatment.
Jazz will have a tough week, with what should be a easy win against the...
I am very excited for this game. As much as I want the Utes to win, it won't...


