The Story Of The Secret Santa

My friend handed me a very old metal match box car today.

Then he said...
"I found this yesterday and it reminded me of a major life lesson. "

I held it in my hand and looked at it while he talked.

He said...

"When I was in elementary school,
we did a Secret Santa in my class room at school.
All the kids drew a name and then we exchanged presents
the last day before Christmas break."

He said, "My parents went out and bought me
a nice new toy to give to the child I had drawn.
My mom wrapped it up
and the kid loved the present that received it."

He then said, "I went and found my present...
from a boy in my class that I did NOT really know.
It looked like it had been wrapped with news paper."

He said, "I opened it and it was that little car
you are holding in your hand."

He said "but when he gave it to me
it was dirty and looked well played with."

He said "I was mad ...
I had given such a nice gift
and he had put so little effort into his.
I felt cheated.

But later I learned THAT the kid lived
in a very runned down shack.
His mom was sick and his daddy
had left them years before."

He said..."They barely had enough money
to have heat and food. "

He said... "when I realized he had given me
one of his only few toys, I felt ashamed
for the way I treated him, when I got the gift."

He said ..."I only learned how poor he was,
after he quit coming to school
and, we were told his mom had died ...
and, he had been sent to foster care.
I never saw him again."

He said..."I kept this little car all these years
because, I NOW know, it was the best present
that i have ever gotten."

I thought about this story,
and, looked at that little car sitting in my hand...
and I cried.

How many times in my life...
that i have been given something
from someone, and, it was not appreciated
for iTs 'TRUE" value.

This kid, WHO really was a 'wise young man'
had given with his heart...
when he had so little, and it made me realize...
that I need to always, and, in all ways...
REMEMBER, to never judge anything on the surface...
and to always, and, in all ways look deeper.

I just wanted to put this story out there...
to all of you, in this season of giving.

Much love 'n deep respect
TO ALL OF THOSE FOLKS
who dare to eXchange with us
~susan
@13LinesofSpirit