Sometimes the best gifts in life are the unexpected ones.
2020 has been a tough year for most of us and yet there have also been unexpected gifts that have come out of it. Lessons that have reminded us of what matters most in life, adapting and discovering new ideas and new ways of doing things, deepening relationships and finding opportunities amid the challenges.
We recently had a virtual Positive Leadership Training for Teenagers and gave out scholarships to those in need. One of our scholarship participants had trouble getting on the Zoom and decided to dial in by phone instead and in the process unexpectedly incurred phone charges.
The participant's mother emailed us very upset that this happened and was frustrated that they had to pay a phone bill with money they didn't have in addition to a car that was in the shop and other financial hardships.
At first, we were frustrated that a scholarship was now going to cost us money because my team and I decided to pay her phone bill. But then we decided to go beyond that and pay for her car to get fixed. And then we went beyond that and our JGC team of speakers and workshop leaders all got together to send the family $1000 for them to buy presents.
We gave an unexpected gift to the family but also received the greatest unexpected gift in return. The family sent us a letter saying we restored their faith in humanity and God. They had been praying for a miracle when this happened.
In the worst of times, God inspired us to share the best within us to provide an unexpected gift.
We didn't feel pride doing this. We felt humility. We gave because of our faith in God. We gave because of the unexpected gifts God has given us during the most difficult times of our lives.
While many say they would like to forget 2020, I honestly don't want to forget it. I want to remember what it taught me and the unexpected gifts I have given and received.
How about you? What unexpected gifts have come out of 2020 for you?
What lesson(s) do you not want to forget?
Let's all give an unexpected gift to someone this week!
God bless you, Happy Holy Days and Merry Christmas.
Jon
