What followed a couple hours later forever changed how I viewed God. It is one of the anchor moments of my life. Upon which my faith as an adult is tethered.
First came the knock at the door. Then I recall seeing people from a local church bringing in what seemed to be a couple of HUGE boxes full of Thanksgiving food - from a big turkey to canned goods, including a can of yams.
Yams. I didn't like yams.
But now I had to thank God for yams. After all, that "out of nowhere" feast came not long after we prayed for it. Did I really have to thank God for something I didn't like?
Well, I've had some of my adult prayers answered with "yams," too. Answers that maybe included some things I wasn't thrilled about. But I think I learned that long-ago Thanksgiving to embrace what God sends. As part of a larger Plan.
Now, that Thanksgiving I can't forget is shaping my Christmas. And my family's. Because there are so many around us who are in need. And it's harder to be "without" around holiday times.
As I enjoy my children and me participating in activities that reach and help others at this time of year, I realize it goes back to that miracle "knock at the door" when I was a little girl. And how my own life was impacted by others who reached out to those around them.
Those people at our door that day had absolutely no idea how much they would impact the life - and faith - of a little girl. Just because they acted on a compassionate tug on their heart. From God, I believe. And what did they do? Simply took time out of their busy holiday schedule to go to a grocery store. Oh, yeah - and reached a little deeper into their wallet beyond what they would spend on themselves.
This life-shaping memory makes me stop and ask again this Christmas, "Who needs some help, some hope right now, God?" Maybe we can be the answer to their prayer. As some caring people were for us that day I'll never forget.
Actually, I remember exactly where I was standing that day. So, every time I tell this story, and even writing it now - I still feel like the little girl in my childhood home, standing in the hallway on the 1970s orange-red shag carpeting. Perhaps with my mouth hanging open a bit...staring with wonder at boxes of food - including a can of yams.
And seeing not people, but a God who is real. The God who made the universe had answered a little girl's prayer. And maybe, just maybe He would do that again sometime. And wow, He sure has. Maybe not always answering the way I wanted, or when I wanted - but over and over I've seen God respond to my heart-cries as no one else can.
I could never be convinced that God is not real, and doesn't hear what I say to Him. He came into my little world that day.
Which is what He did that first Christmas. God literally left heaven and came into our world. And became as real as real gets. His mission began in a cradle and culminated on a cross. Where He spent everything He had so we could be with Him forever.
He's more than just a God to believe in. He's a God I love.
