Some of the most meaningful moments begin in unexpected ways. One of those moments happened to our family; it was Christmas Eve 2011. Our middle daughter Ava, was hospitalized at just three weeks old with RSV, and she was in critical condition.
After a tireless few days, I went to the hospital cafeteria for a snack and noticed how beautifully decorated the tables were with pre-lit tabletop Christmas trees. The cafeteria was empty other than one woman working that evening. I explained to her that it was my daughter’s first Christmas, and it did not feel like Christmas in our hospital room. What happened next would change the way we celebrate Christmas forever.
I asked the woman if we could borrow a tree for the night so it would feel like Christmas in our tiny, dark room. She hugged me and told me to take a tree and keep it forever. Her tiny act of kindness and her loving spirit lifted our souls more than she will ever know. God used this moment to change our lives forever. That little tree brightened our room so much. Praise report, Ava made a full recovery and is very actively involved in our ministry to this day!
Through this one gesture of kindness, God opened our eyes to the power of love and compassion, and to how important it is to show up for others who cross our paths each day. God used that sweet woman to bless our family in a time of need, which changed the path of our lives forever.
Our prayer is that this story encourages others to notice the people God places in their paths each day. Sometimes what feels like a random act of kindness is actually a part of God’s greater plan. Have eyes to see these people daily and a heart to act when necessary. You may just be one step away from a blessing in disguise.
Thank you for being a part of our ministry,
Monica Thorne
Founder, Tabletop Christmas Tree Project
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