One doesn't have to look far to see that times these days can be challenging, to say the least. It seems like this year has hit us with every kind of “whammo” except frogs and locusts (but there's still time left in 2020). That's just the stuff that has hit all of us. I know that there are many more personal trials and struggles that face you and I that will never “make the headlines.”
One thing that I discovered a few years ago when I was going through a very dark time personally is that if I can find a way to reach out and do something to help another person, it somehow makes me feel better and more “at peace.” There just seems to be something about reaching out away from myself that seems to help take my mind off my own difficulties. Not saying it's a cure-all for every problem, but it seems to help me. If you haven't tried it, I suggest you give it a try.
One fun way to do just that is to pack a shoebox for “Operation Christmas Child.” It's easy to do and can be a lot of fun. You simply get a shoebox (you can use a regular shoebox or you can obtain a special pre-printed shoebox) and fill it with toys (it's good to have one “WOW” toy like a stuffed animal, along with a couple of smaller toys), hygiene items (please no liquids, but a toothbrush or a hair comb or brush is great), school supplies such as crayons, books, etc., a pair of socks or anything else you think might be fun for a child who may have very little in terms of material possessions. You can select the age range and sex of the child who will receive your shoebox, which may help in filling your box. According to Janet Diamond, Outreach and Missions Pastor at Madison Church of God (MCOG), one of the most popular items in a shoebox is a photo and personal note from you to the recipient. Once you have your shoebox filled, simply drop it off at a collection center. In Madison, MCOG is one of the collection sites. The church is located at 771 NE Colin Kelly Hwy., in Madison. MCOG will begin collecting boxes on Monday, Nov. 16, and will continue through Monday, Nov. 23. The times are daily, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., except Monday, Nov. 23, when they will be collecting from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
More information about “Operation Christmas Child” and tips on how to pack a shoebox can be found at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. You can also pack a “virtual” shoebox on the website, but that wouldn't be nearly as much fun.