A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit. – Greek Proverb

I love this quote that was shared by the National CASA Association today. And it left me thinking about the many instances in my life that I have witnessed someone doing something for another without any sign of recognition, without ever seeing the end result of the blessing they have shared.

• The time when someone paid for the carload of a family behind them in the drive-thru
• The Angel Tree gifts given
• The plate of cookies left at a doorstep
• The bags filled for low-income children in downtown Kansas City
• The time spent sitting in a waiting room or by her bedside, just to show care and concern…and love
• The large tip left for the waiter who shared his story and worked extra hard
• The time spent repairing homes for single, widowed or divorced women
• The money given in the offering plate at the Christmas Eve service to benefit ministries here and in Africa
• The time and money spent fixing the car of a teenager
• The grace shown to a woman who felt unworthy and ashamed
• The anonymous card sent in the mail with money needed at the right time
• The gas pump that was pre-paid for the next customer who drove up
• The United States service men and women who risk their lives in order that millions of others might be free
• The card sent with a handwritten note of encouragement
• The money given to a family at a roadside motel who were facing the birth of a new baby and nowhere to call home
• Blood and platelets given in order that someone else might live
• The life story shared in order to change someone else’s story for the better

Today, I delivered gifts to a couple who give their lives daily so that four children might know love and acceptance and security…and Jesus. I delivered gifts that were given in love by my co-workers, because they heard this family’s story and decided it was much more important to bless others this year than to have a company Christmas party.

Today, I was the one fortunate enough to witness angels among us – those who are being the hands and feet of Jesus to four beautiful children, and those who are being the hands and feet of Jesus by sharing their Christmas with a family with whom they most likely will never meet.

Angels Among Us – Alabama

And for all of this, I am so grateful.