Lisa took up the challenge this Advent Season to give a gift to Jesus through serving.
Below is her testimony of how she was blessed through that experience.
(Used by permission)
From: Lisa Barfield
To: Wynn Stenftenagel
Sent: Tue, 16 Dec 2008 21:19:30 -0600
Subject: Re: christmas card update (for those in grief)
I am on for Dec. 21st. I have a graduation party to go to that afternoon, but it is from 2-6; so I can work my schedule around that. I only plan to go for about an hour or so. I will most willingly hand out bulletins and welcome people. Heads up, I have lost my blue laminated name tag. I stored it somewhere safe, but so safe I don't know where it is. I can wear a sticky name tag if you want me to wear one. Whatever else you need me to do during the service, I am ready to do. I will light candles, I will sit quietly, just whatever you need me to do.
Also, I need to let you know what a blessing this Christmas card "task" has been. God provided me an opportunity to remember my many blessings, including the people in my life at this moment. I was so moved by the loss of some of these people; truly moved to tears. For some, I felt their loneliness as I had only one name to place on the card, where once it had been two names; I am not sure why, but that really struck a chord with me. Also, I would envision some of these families sitting around a tree trying, pushing through the pain, to remember the good times and the good memories of the one they lost. This unexpected blessing taught empathy and compassion.
I found myself praying more often than as of late. I prayed over the cards after I had written them and I prayed as I put them in the mail box to send. I find myself praying throughout the day, praying for these people, people I don't know, to have God's comfort.
It brings to mind the service where we were called to WATCH for God in this Advent Season. How funny how writing Christmas cards to strangers drew me closer to His peace, His mercy, His Holiness, and His greatness. In this simple task, God made Himself present.
Again, thank you for the opportunity. My goal is to have the remainder of the cards finished by tomorrow night so that I can mail them early Friday morning.
Have a super day, Lisa