Every Christmas I try to think of a unique way to do something special for someone who might not be on my normal shopping list. In past years, we’ve bought chickens for the underprivileged, sponsored children in Africa, and bought clothes for needy children. We’ve served meals at the mission, invited friends to join us who might otherwise spend the holidays alone, and bought presents for children on the Angel Tree.

One year I learned a coworker was struggling to make ends meet due to a medical crisis. So, the kids and I hit the grocery store and loaded up a cart. Then under the cover of darkness, we drove to her neighborhood, parked the car a few houses away, carried the groceries to her doorstep, and then “ding-dong-ditched” her. We giggled as we tripped over the snow and each other, trying to make haste to our car before she got to the door. Then we sat in the car, trying to stifle our laughter as we watched her open her door and look around.

Another year I gave each of our children $40 and told them to spend it on someone who needed it more than they did. Kassi gave it to her coach who recently received a cancer diagnosis. Our youngest son Josh put it in the Salvation Army bucket. Tucker bought new shoes for a classmate who really needed them. Afterwards he said to me, “Mom, why haven’t we done that every year? That was the best gift I’ve ever given.”

This year I heard of an idea where people would get in line at the grocery store behind someone who looks like they could use a hand and then step forward to pay for their groceries. What a fun idea, but I hadn’t put my plan into action yet. In fact, I hadn’t really given it much thought since hearing about it because, like most of us during the holiday season, I was BUSY! So, God took matters into His own hands and gave me a nudge as He often does when I’m not paying attention to His direction.

I learned an acquaintance needed a ride to an appointment, so I offered to take her. On the way home, she mentioned she needed a few groceries, so I suggested we stop at the grocery store before delivering her back home. At the store, she modestly filled her cart. God reminded me of the Christmas idea and knowing her budget was limited, I asked, “Is there something that isn’t in your budget that you’d enjoy for Christmas?” After assuring her I wanted to get it for her, she added a few more items. Then when we went through the checkout counter, I purchased everything in her cart, just as God had instructed. Her gratitude and joy made my day.

I don’t share this to toot my own horn, but rather to share a lesson I learned: In the midst of crazy, chaotic seasons that often revolve around holidays, if we leave some margins in our schedule, God will use us in ways we might not anticipate. In the process, we are blessed in ways we would never imagine.

2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (ESV). Our time, energy, talents, and resources are His, so give generously that which belongs to Him.