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
I just found this article again. I wanted it for my files. What a...
Rhonda | Nov. 20, 2009 at 9:52 a.m.
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.
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