As I've gotten older, I've come to understand what it means to love people genuinely and not just what Ariel taught me when she became a human for Eric or what Belle showed when she learned to love the Beast. I still love a classic love story just as much as the next Disney victim, but I also love getting to see a selfless love for others shine and work through people to those who need it most.
Every year, rather than making herself the central focus of her own birthday, my sweet friend Lucy holds a toy drive and 5K fun run. Those who attend are encouraged to bring new unwrapped toys that Lucy later delivers to local children's hospitals. It's become a pretty big event in our community and something I definitely look forward to each year.
One thing I love so much about it is the joyful atmosphere. Even though a lot of runners come out to participate, it's all just for fun, and there is not that competitive edge that's present at most races. This 5K isn't an actual race—there isn't a clock timing everyone, and there aren't any medals, trophies or prizes for anyone running. Everyone there seems to know that the real people we're hoping will win something are the ones who aren't even there—the ones who are the reason we've all come together on a Saturday morning.
This year, the weather was a bit adverse (well, for Texas, anyway) as the temperatures continued to drop, and the drizzle remained steady. If you've ever met a true Texan, you know that we aren't very good at dealing with these types of conditions. In fact, most of us just want to enter into complete hibernation if we hear the phrase "highs in the 30s." Despite what "science" says, anything below 50 can pretty much be considered freezing. Saturday certainly qualified as one of those hibernation days.
But that didn't stop Lucy's toy drive from happening.
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| A great morning, indeed |
It was quite encouraging to see how many people still made it out to the traditional spot on the lake where the toy drive is hosted and the 5K starts. And, even though people mentioned more than once that it was cold outside, there was no actual complaining that occurred. In fact, there was such an overall joyous mood that one could easily look past how cold his or her fingers were because of the warmth that was hitting somewhere much deeper: in the heart.
The event was held a bit earlier than usual this year, because Lucy is extremely pregnant and due right around the time of her birthday. But she wasn't even going to let the birth of her own child interfere with bringing joy to the hearts of multiple children who might not think they have a ton to be thankful for right now. Sure, giving them toys won't cure their illnesses or make all of their troubles go away, but it allows them a brief escape from reality where they get to be reminded that there are genuine people in this world who know how to love others.
We live in a society that says it's acceptable to focus on yourself, and it's quite easy to get wrapped up into a mindset where we become our main priorities. But, the truth is, life isn't about us. It's about Jesus and sharing His love with those around us. While there's nothing wrong with having birthday parties or being thankful you made it another year, the more we're able to acknowledge that love is what matters most, the more joy our lives will truly have. My birthday this year seemed pretty mundane—I didn't do much to celebrate, but I also didn't do much to help anyone else, either. Saturday brought more joy to my heart than any birthday of my own could, because I got to see so many people come together with hearts full of love and selflessness as they gave their time and donations, all while sacrificing snuggling next to warm fireplaces and drinking hot chocolate or tea.
Toys don't make the world go 'round, but love sure does—and there's enough love in all of those toys to bring light to precious little kids whose smiles say more than words ever could.
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