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The Redemption of Mrs. Scrooge | a Christmas Tale for 2020 · The Wholehearted Enneagram Podcast

0:00
SPEAKER_00: Welcome to a special episode of the Simply Wholehearted Podcast.
0:05
SPEAKER_00: Today I'm still continuing our Advent Season celebration, but I'm sharing it with an episode that was a first of its kind for me and that I shared last year.
0:15
SPEAKER_00: Now, over the years, I have shared my struggle with the month of December, but also how I discovered that a lot of the struggle had to do with my battle with a scarcity mindset.
0:29
SPEAKER_00: It really contributed to the wrestle that I would experience year in and year out.
0:34
SPEAKER_00: So in the summer of 2019, I had a vision for a writing project that would be a little different from my typical genre.
0:43
SPEAKER_00: The Lord truly inspired me the whole way through, and I could feel his guidance as this little tale took twists and turns.
0:51
SPEAKER_00: The redemption of Mrs.
0:53
SPEAKER_00: Scrooge is a dramatic reading of a tale that I have written just for you.
0:58
SPEAKER_00: It's sort of like my Christmas gift, because it was truly a labor of love that I hope will bless you and your family and inspire generosity this holiday season.
1:08
SPEAKER_00: I'm truly honored to have you listen and to share it with all your loved ones.
1:13
SPEAKER_00: And in case you still have some Christmas shopping left to do, let me remind you of one of the best personalized gifts that you can get on the market today.
1:24
SPEAKER_00: The Enneagram candles have been thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of each type.
1:29
SPEAKER_00: I promise you, I helped create them myself.
1:32
SPEAKER_00: And there's a specific message which each heart longs to hear right on the label.
1:38
SPEAKER_00: So as your friends and family light them, they can be reminded how much they mean to you.
1:44
SPEAKER_00: These candles are hand poured with wood wicks, and they are seriously the best I have ever owned.
1:52
SPEAKER_00: I don't get headaches from the fragrances, and they really have a long burn time.
1:56
SPEAKER_00: So it's a gift that keeps on giving throughout the year.
2:00
SPEAKER_00: So if you are still looking for a unique and custom gift for any of your friends, teachers, or family, head on over to theeneagramcandles.com or check my link in the show notes.
2:13
SPEAKER_00: You can also use the coupon code AMI for 10% off any of the Enneagram candles.
2:20
SPEAKER_00: Now on to the dramatic reading of the redemption of Mrs.
2:24
SPEAKER_00: Scrooge.
2:29
SPEAKER_00: Her face went grim as she looked up from her budget app, and she saw the trees begin to sway with the wind gusts, and tiny white flakes drifted down like unwanted dandruff.
2:39
SPEAKER_00: Unwelcome.
2:40
SPEAKER_00: Like the medical bills, extra grocery expenses for the recent company, and higher than average utility bills from last month's early freeze.
2:49
SPEAKER_00: Kids, get your coats on.
2:51
SPEAKER_00: We need to run to Bullseye Market before it gets any worse.
2:54
SPEAKER_00: Jage ordered the kids with an edge of annoyance in her tone.
2:58
SPEAKER_00: Mom, I don't want to go.
3:00
SPEAKER_00: Can I stay here?
3:01
SPEAKER_00: Seela, her oldest whined without looking up from her stack of homework.
3:05
SPEAKER_00: Hallie, don't hit me, her youngest child screeched from the other room.
3:10
SPEAKER_00: Mom, Mason took my hat.
3:12
SPEAKER_00: Tell him to give it back.
3:14
SPEAKER_00: Hallie said as she marched with enough force to shake the whole house.
3:17
SPEAKER_00: No, that's mine.
3:19
SPEAKER_00: I want it, demanded Mason, as he followed in hot pursuit.
3:23
SPEAKER_00: Jade's patience was wearing thin.
3:25
SPEAKER_00: She bit her tongue from the sharp reply and instead gathered her purse and gloves as she headed to the door.
3:30
SPEAKER_00: Join me or stay, it's up to you, but I need to get out of this house.
3:35
SPEAKER_00: Just then, the clang of the sometimes working doorbell rang through the house as a cheerful knock sounded at the front door.
3:42
SPEAKER_00: With a cautious glance through the nearby window, Jade hesitated.
3:46
SPEAKER_00: She debated about ignoring the unwelcome interruption, but instead decided to throw open the door to tell the two Boy Scouts waiting for an answer, no thanks.
3:55
SPEAKER_00: Before she could give her refusal, the two boys jumped into their sales presentation.
4:00
SPEAKER_00: Hello, ma'am, we're raising money for Troop seventy seven, so we can purchase hot meals for the homeless this holiday season.
4:06
SPEAKER_00: Would you consider purchasing a tin of popcorn?
4:09
SPEAKER_00: The first boy barely caught his breath before the second one joined in.
4:13
SPEAKER_00: We have three flavors available, or you can get a variety pack.
4:16
SPEAKER_00: It'll be here in time for Christmas, so it would make a nice gift for a teacher or something.
4:20
SPEAKER_00: Their hopeful eyes blinked wide as they waited with expectation for a positive reply.
4:25
SPEAKER_00: With the struggle over the hat still happening in the other room, Jade let her frustration come out on the young dukeers at her door.
4:32
SPEAKER_00: Popcorn costs pennies to make, and you want me to pay twenty dollars for a tin of stale GMO popcorn?
4:37
SPEAKER_00: Thanks, but no thanks.
4:39
SPEAKER_00: She shut the door, struggling with the lock as the two boys walked back down the street, bracing against the wind, and their heads hanging low.
4:46
SPEAKER_00: Jade was about to yell at the kids for the arguing to cease, but looking up from the stubborn dumple, she saw all three of them lined up with coats and hats, looking almost eager to join her on the last minute errand.
4:57
SPEAKER_00: Rats.
4:58
SPEAKER_00: I was hoping to go alone, she muttered to herself.
5:01
SPEAKER_00: But to her suddenly obedient children, she told them, Get in the car, and if there is any fighting over the front seat, you are all staying here.
5:09
SPEAKER_00: As they backed out the driveway, Seela grabbed Jade's phone.
5:13
SPEAKER_00: Mom, can we turn on some Christmas music?
5:16
SPEAKER_00: No, I am sick of holiday music already.
5:18
SPEAKER_00: You guys have been seeing carols and playing music since the beginning of November.
5:22
SPEAKER_00: I just need a break.
5:24
SPEAKER_00: Jade surprised herself with the frustrated reply.
5:27
SPEAKER_00: Still, she dug her heels in and decided she wasn't about to change her answer or apologize for her grumpy attitude.
5:33
SPEAKER_00: Shocked that there was no arguing from her oldest, the ten minute drive was filled with a rare silence.
5:40
SPEAKER_00: Gathering her returns from the trunk, they filed out of the car, and then they headed to the automatic doors accompanied by the clanging of the handbell being swung by the Salvation Army volunteer.
5:51
SPEAKER_00: Care to spare some change for the needy this holiday season?
5:55
SPEAKER_00: The worker called out to those rushing in and out of the doors beside her.
5:58
SPEAKER_00: Wrapped head to toe in woolen winter wear, her sparkling blue eyes peeked out through the wraps and caught Jade's stormy look.
6:05
SPEAKER_00: Hey mom, can I put some money in the red bucket?
6:09
SPEAKER_00: Mason always went into the satisfaction of pushing the coins through the slots.
6:13
SPEAKER_00: Jade avoided the kind gaze from the bell ringer and responded just loud enough for her to hear.
6:19
SPEAKER_00: Well, maybe on the way out, okay?
6:21
SPEAKER_00: We need to get inside.
6:23
SPEAKER_00: Grabbing a cart with her kids following behind like ducklings, she headed straight to the Aspen Home collection, strategically placed by the front entrance.
6:31
SPEAKER_00: Suddenly, the Christmas decor she had had for almost 20 years felt shamefully shabby, and the crisp, clean look of the decor lured her to browse aisle two.
6:40
SPEAKER_00: The kids entertained themselves as they wove in and out of the holiday selection of the store.
6:45
SPEAKER_00: Poppying in and out of the paper supply row, they picked up various items and showed Jade what was now suddenly needed for a school project.
6:52
SPEAKER_00: Half distracted, she nodded and hummed, piling her cart with new twinkle lights and greenery.
6:58
SPEAKER_00: Forgetting what she had come for to begin with, she decided to head over to the grocery section to stock up on the essentials just in case the flurries turn into something more.
7:07
SPEAKER_00: The pathway to the food aisles took them by the women's clothing on one side and the kids' fashion on the other.
7:13
SPEAKER_00: Oh hey, mom, I almost forgot.
7:15
SPEAKER_00: Teacher says we need black pants and a red shirt for the Christmas program this Friday.
7:19
SPEAKER_00: Hallie excitedly headed towards the display with sequin bosses and pleather pants.
7:24
SPEAKER_00: Oh yeah, I need a green shirt, and I'll have to wear jeans or I'll get a bad grade for the band performance.
7:30
SPEAKER_00: Jade knew there was no jeans in Mason's closet because he had insisted on only wearing sweats for years.
7:36
SPEAKER_00: Remember, Mom, Seila chimed in.
7:38
SPEAKER_00: I told you last month I needed a dress for the Christmas party.
7:41
SPEAKER_00: Her tone held an edge of fear that she would be overlooked.
7:45
SPEAKER_00: Jade's gaze went from left to right over the racks of clothing, with prices crowning the displays.
7:50
SPEAKER_00: She mentally calculated the cost of the various items rattled off by her three kids.
7:55
SPEAKER_00: Knowing that once they got those items, they would probably need belts, socks, leggings, accessories, her mind went to this month's budget she had been working on before her rush to head out the door.
8:06
SPEAKER_00: The feelings of unexpected expenses were weighing on her spirit, and suddenly she felt her blood pressure rise.
8:12
SPEAKER_00: It was like all the budget numbers flashed through her mind at once, and her mouth unwittingly spewed her financial frustrations at her children.
8:19
SPEAKER_00: Why do you guys always tell me these things last minute?
8:22
SPEAKER_00: Do you want any Christmas gifts this year?
8:24
SPEAKER_00: You kids are always demanding new things.
8:27
SPEAKER_00: What you have in your closets are good enough.
8:29
SPEAKER_00: And while we're at it, you guys need to stop eating so much.
8:31
SPEAKER_00: And Hallie, did you crank up the heater?
8:33
SPEAKER_00: The bill was outrageous.
8:35
SPEAKER_00: A few other customers nearby glanced over to see who was losing it in the middle of the store.
8:40
SPEAKER_00: Startled and embarrassed by their mom's response, all three kids simultaneously tried to quiet her.
8:46
SPEAKER_00: Jade knew this was a good moment to stop and apologize to redeem the afternoon, but the stress of her fears got the better of her.
8:53
SPEAKER_00: That's it, we're leaving now.
8:55
SPEAKER_00: But mom, the performance is this Friday.
8:58
SPEAKER_00: I don't want a bad grade.
9:00
SPEAKER_00: You promise me, Seela said as she crossed her arms and gave her that look.
9:05
SPEAKER_00: It was that look that Jade knew she was out of line and was blowing a teachable opportunity.
9:10
SPEAKER_00: Miraculously, somehow, they whizzed through the self checkout with a staggering total from the Christmas decor overhaul.
9:17
SPEAKER_00: Soaking in the last blast of heat at the store exit, they braced themselves as they headed back to the van.
9:22
SPEAKER_00: The constant reading of the Salvation Army bell accompanied their exit, and Jade knew what was coming next.
9:28
SPEAKER_00: Mom, please, you said I could put something in the bucket.
9:32
SPEAKER_00: Mason was quick to remind her of the rash statement she made just thirty minutes earlier.
9:36
SPEAKER_00: Jade wrapped her coat tighter, looking away from her son and those all knowing eyes of the volunteer.
9:42
SPEAKER_00: Not today.
9:43
SPEAKER_00: We need to get home before the snow gets any worse.
9:46
SPEAKER_00: Grumbling, Mason stuck his hand in his pockets and found a forgotten quarter.
9:50
SPEAKER_00: Brightening over his discovery, he ran over to the collection tin and dropped his coin with great delight.
9:56
SPEAKER_00: On the short trip home, and while unloading her unexpected haul for mile two, weariness settled in like an unwelcome guest.
10:03
SPEAKER_00: Kids, help me put this stuff in the house, and then we're gonna have a rest time.
10:08
SPEAKER_00: Mom, we're too old for rest time.
10:10
SPEAKER_00: Can we watch a movie while you rest?
10:12
SPEAKER_00: We have one more day before the muppet Christmas Carol expires from our watch list.
10:16
SPEAKER_00: Knowing she didn't have any energy for one more showdown, she nodded a reluctant yes and headed for her warm bed as they ran to see who could get the remote first.
10:24
SPEAKER_00: Her head suddenly felt too heavy for her body, and she snuggled into her cool pillow.
10:31
SPEAKER_00: She woke, startled by the chime from her phone alarm.
10:35
SPEAKER_00: Foggly, she picked up her phone to look at the time, but before she could put her thumb to the screen, an oddly familiar voice interrupted.
10:43
SPEAKER_00: Jay, dear, it's been a while.
10:45
SPEAKER_00: We need to catch up.
10:46
SPEAKER_00: Rubbing the sleepy grip from her eyes, she couldn't believe who was sitting on the small ottoman across from the bed.
10:51
SPEAKER_00: Aunt Jackie, what?
10:53
SPEAKER_00: How in the world?
10:54
SPEAKER_00: Her voice trailed off, half expecting she would wake, as usually happens when you try to find your voice in a dream.
11:00
SPEAKER_00: Except for this time, she didn't wake.
11:05
SPEAKER_00: Her raspy voice droned on.
11:07
SPEAKER_00: I know it's been a while, but something tells me we need to have a little chat.
11:11
SPEAKER_00: Aunt Jacqueline crossed her legs and put a hand to her lips as if she were going to take a drag off a cigarette, but then waved it off, realizing she didn't have one in hand.
11:19
SPEAKER_00: Uh yeah, it's um it's been a while.
11:22
SPEAKER_00: I mean, you passed away ten years ago now, right?
11:25
SPEAKER_00: Jade squeaked out, still unsure if she could trust her voice.
11:29
SPEAKER_00: Yes, darling, ten years and two months.
11:31
SPEAKER_00: Golly, it's been a while.
11:32
SPEAKER_00: Lots has happened since then, eh?
11:34
SPEAKER_00: Joclyn gave a knowing look before continuing.
11:37
SPEAKER_00: The kids are so grown.
11:39
SPEAKER_00: Bet they eat nonstop.
11:40
SPEAKER_00: And clothing these days.
11:42
SPEAKER_00: Goodness, I can only imagine what that must cost.
11:45
SPEAKER_00: What's the Christmas budget look like this year?
11:47
SPEAKER_00: Jade wasn't sure why the conversation was going this direction, but nodded in agreement, thinking about her irrational display of frustration in the store.
11:56
SPEAKER_00: And then, remembering that she had been interrupted before checking the time, she reached out to tap her phone.
12:01
SPEAKER_00: I wouldn't do that if I were you, darling, Aunt Jaclyn barked, starling Jade, who withdrew her hand reluctantly.
12:08
SPEAKER_00: Listen, I'm not sure what you chose to do with that decent inheritance that I left you, but it's time for me to take account.
12:15
SPEAKER_00: With a quick shake of her head as to clear the cobweds, Jade remembered the generous gift left by her aunt all those years ago.
12:21
SPEAKER_00: Oh, Jackie, I almost forgot about that.
12:24
SPEAKER_00: She allowed herself to go down memory lane and revisited that momentous occasion.
12:28
SPEAKER_00: She tried to clear the cotton feeling from her throat as she sat up straighter.
12:33
SPEAKER_00: Well, I I don't know if you knew at the time, but we were working so hard to get out of debt.
12:38
SPEAKER_00: Mason had just been born and there was very little I could do to help contribute.
12:42
SPEAKER_00: And though we were sad about your passing, what you left behind for us made all the difference in the world.
12:47
SPEAKER_00: Jay teared up over the memory, remembering the wave of relief she experienced all those years ago.
12:52
SPEAKER_00: Darling, glad to hear it.
12:54
SPEAKER_00: I worked too hard to accumulate all my wealth during my short time here on Earth.
12:58
SPEAKER_00: I didn't have many friends or close family near the end, but I'm glad someone could benefit from all my stashing away.
13:04
SPEAKER_00: Remorse thickened Aunt Jaclyn's voice.
13:07
SPEAKER_00: Oh yes, we were able to pay the last bit of our debt, and then we saved the rest for emergency fund.
13:12
SPEAKER_00: Jade recounted the steps they had taken to get their financial life in better order.
13:17
SPEAKER_00: Well done, yes, it does sound like you made great use of my gift.
13:21
SPEAKER_00: I'm glad to hear it.
13:22
SPEAKER_00: How about these last few years?
13:24
SPEAKER_00: Has Forrest done a good job of providing for you?
13:27
SPEAKER_00: Jacqueline looked hard at Jade, searching to see if there was any fault to be found in her nephew.
13:32
SPEAKER_00: Oh, absolutely, I mean he's such a hard worker, and we've come a long way since then.
13:37
SPEAKER_00: We save for our cars and we're able to pay for the kids to go to a good school.
13:41
SPEAKER_00: We have enough for our expenses and even the recent medical bills, but I I just hate spending money on things like that.
13:48
SPEAKER_00: You know, it would be so much more fun to just keep saving and that I won't have a care in the world.
13:53
SPEAKER_00: Jade perked up over this thought.
13:55
SPEAKER_00: She threw off the blanket, ready to step into her slippers.
13:58
SPEAKER_00: Aunt Jacqueline stopped her again.
14:00
SPEAKER_00: Just stay right there.
14:02
SPEAKER_00: Don't be in such a hurry for your little nap to be over.
14:04
SPEAKER_00: Feeling like a child who had just been scolded, Jade meekly settled back into the covers.
14:10
SPEAKER_00: You know, I used to feel the same way as you.
14:13
SPEAKER_00: I was driven by the need to feel secure when I looked at my bank account.
14:18
SPEAKER_00: What do you mean, Aunt Jackie?
14:20
SPEAKER_00: I feel secure, in fact, I feel just fine.
14:23
SPEAKER_00: Jade argued with the implication of her aunt's words.
14:26
SPEAKER_00: In my youth, I put so much effort into building my business so I could have fun doing what it was I wanted to do.
14:32
SPEAKER_00: Traveling with my husband, having a family, and then I had planned to give most of it away to my favorite charities.
14:38
SPEAKER_00: Jade had only known Aunt Jackie as an all work and no play kind of person.
14:42
SPEAKER_00: She had a hard time imagining her to be someone who wanted to do anything outside of her business.
14:47
SPEAKER_00: Well, you were probably just trying to be wise and safe for the future, right?
14:52
SPEAKER_00: Jade still wasn't understanding how this had anything to do with her.
14:55
SPEAKER_00: I did want to be wise, but I came obsessed with the numbers.
14:59
SPEAKER_00: Aunt Jacqueline looked at Jade pointedly.
15:02
SPEAKER_00: It became more than being a good steward over the years.
15:04
SPEAKER_00: All I did was work and save and work and save.
15:07
SPEAKER_00: But having savings is a good thing, right?
15:11
SPEAKER_00: It is, until it's all you think about, and you start choosing to accumulate money over the simple pleasures of being with people.
15:17
SPEAKER_00: Jade couldn't remember a time when she had chosen money over people, but she nodded agreeably.
15:23
SPEAKER_00: My desire for security caused me to lose good friends, even my sweet and generous husband.
15:28
SPEAKER_00: Jacqueline walked toward the bedroom door.
15:30
SPEAKER_00: If you aren't careful, Jade, you'll end up like me.
15:33
SPEAKER_00: What?
15:34
SPEAKER_00: What do you mean?
15:34
SPEAKER_00: I'm nothing like you, Jade retorted.
15:37
SPEAKER_00: I I mean she began to backpedal, knowing her statement was insulting.
15:41
SPEAKER_00: With a raspy cackle, Aunt Jacqueline made her dramatic exit.
15:45
SPEAKER_00: You'll be visited by three messengers.
15:47
SPEAKER_00: You must listen to their warnings or end up as alone and miserable as I was.
15:52
SPEAKER_00: And suddenly she was gone.
15:55
SPEAKER_00: Jade shook her head with puzzlement and lay back down on the pillow.
15:58
SPEAKER_00: Forgetting to check the time on her phone, she rolled over and closed her eyes.
16:05
SPEAKER_00: The muffled chime from her phone alarm woke her, and she sleepily fell around her covers to stop the noise.
16:11
SPEAKER_00: Opening her eyes to try to find it when her hands came up empty.
16:15
SPEAKER_00: She shot straight up in bed.
16:17
SPEAKER_00: Joy, what are you doing here?
16:20
SPEAKER_00: Eyes focusing a little better, she blinked again.
16:23
SPEAKER_00: Wait a minute, Joy, you look so young.
16:26
SPEAKER_00: Why you look exactly like you did when you were ten.
16:29
SPEAKER_00: Hey, yourself, sis.
16:31
SPEAKER_00: You aren't looking too bad for forty either.
16:34
SPEAKER_00: Though you could use a refresh on your hair color.
16:37
SPEAKER_00: Joy popped down beside her, looking ready to snuggle in for a sleepover.
16:41
SPEAKER_00: Okay, please explain what's going on here.
16:43
SPEAKER_00: You're acting like everything is normal, but this is not normal.
16:47
SPEAKER_00: You're looking like your ten year old self and suddenly in my bed when you teach out of school in another state?
16:51
SPEAKER_00: This is just not normal.
16:53
SPEAKER_00: Jade tried to calm herself while she waited for what she hoped would be a perfectly rational explanation.
16:58
SPEAKER_00: Joy flashed her a cheeky grin.
17:00
SPEAKER_00: You're correct.
17:01
SPEAKER_00: This isn't normal.
17:02
SPEAKER_00: And neither was your behavior today.
17:04
SPEAKER_00: What has gone into you?
17:06
SPEAKER_00: Have you suddenly become Ebenezer Scrooge?
17:09
SPEAKER_00: Jade flinched as she thought about her rational behavior just a few hours.
17:13
SPEAKER_00: Or was it minutes before?
17:15
SPEAKER_00: Well, well you see, I have been working on the budget, and the expenses the last few months have gotten a little high, and I don't want to have to dip in the savings.
17:23
SPEAKER_00: Her explanation was cut off by joy.
17:25
SPEAKER_00: You have savings, look at you.
17:27
SPEAKER_00: Three kids, a mortgage, private school traveling, and medical expenses?
17:32
SPEAKER_00: And you still have savings?
17:33
SPEAKER_00: Way to go.
17:34
SPEAKER_00: Why aren't you celebrating?
17:36
SPEAKER_00: Try relaxing a little, sis.
17:38
SPEAKER_00: Geez, you've gotten so uptight.
17:41
SPEAKER_00: With a flip of her hair, she turned and looked at Jade with her nose all crinkled up and tongue pointing at her.
17:46
SPEAKER_00: You little punk, what do you know?
17:49
SPEAKER_00: Jade crossed her arms, feeling provoked.
17:51
SPEAKER_00: Joy wiped the smirk off her face and looked at Jade with complete seriousness.
17:55
SPEAKER_00: Sister, you are going to end up grumpy and alone, but I'm here to help you.
17:59
SPEAKER_00: Are you ready?
18:00
SPEAKER_00: Come with me, so you may become a more generous woman.
18:04
SPEAKER_00: Ready for what?
18:05
SPEAKER_00: Go where?
18:06
SPEAKER_00: No sooner had the words left her mouth than suddenly Jade and Joy were in the living room of their childhood home.
18:11
SPEAKER_00: Oh look, they're our grandma and granddad, Jade whispered as she took in the surroundings of her memory.
18:18
SPEAKER_00: Oh, and Ben isn't looking so good over there on the floor, Joy said at a normal pitch, seemingly comfortable that they were someplace from long ago.
18:26
SPEAKER_00: Remember that Christmas?
18:27
SPEAKER_00: We all got the stomach flu?
18:30
SPEAKER_00: Yes, that was terrible.
18:32
SPEAKER_00: I wouldn't care to repeat that.
18:33
SPEAKER_00: Jade grimaced at the unpleasant memory.
18:36
SPEAKER_00: Oh yes, but you remember what you gave me?
18:39
SPEAKER_00: Joy clapped her hands with joyful innocence.
18:42
SPEAKER_00: You took all those babysitting jobs that year just to buy everyone in the family the biggest thing on their wish list.
18:48
SPEAKER_00: And I wanted a colonial era bed for my favorite heritage doll.
18:53
SPEAKER_00: She looked at Jade, waiting for her to delight in the memory as much as she was.
18:57
SPEAKER_00: Do you remember?
18:58
SPEAKER_00: Do you remember?
19:00
SPEAKER_00: Slowly it came back to her.
19:02
SPEAKER_00: She remembered how she had worked part-time hours at a local bookstore, and babysat on the weekends for months on end with the end goal to buy the best Christmas gifts that year.
19:10
SPEAKER_00: She remembered how her desire for generosity drove and delighted her.
19:14
SPEAKER_00: That Christmas, despite the sickness, it was one of her favorites.
19:18
SPEAKER_00: The months of planning, thinking of others, and picking out that perfect gift brought her so much joy.
19:23
SPEAKER_00: Oh yeah, that beautiful canopy bed.
19:26
SPEAKER_00: Jade thought about the lovely fabric she had sewn into pillows and a cover lip for her sister.
19:31
SPEAKER_00: I think it was my favorite gift to give because I secretly wished I wasn't too old for something like that.
19:37
SPEAKER_00: She smiled at Joy over their shared memory, and in a blink, she found herself in another home of her young adult memory.
19:44
SPEAKER_00: It was packed with her husband's family, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
19:47
SPEAKER_00: It was loud and chaotic.
19:49
SPEAKER_00: The Christmas cheer was palatable.
19:51
SPEAKER_00: Here, Aunt Jade, another gift for you.
19:55
SPEAKER_00: Her red headed nephew added another one to the pile in front of her.
19:58
SPEAKER_00: She remembered how overwhelmed she felt, not because of the noise and celebration, but because it was her first Christmas with her new husband's family, and her pile of gifts was possibly the highest of the bunch.
20:09
SPEAKER_00: Everyone had been so accepting of her, welcoming into the family as if they'd always known her.
20:15
SPEAKER_00: She remembered the joking and the feasting to celebrate God's goodness.
20:19
SPEAKER_00: Laughter and lightness filled the memory as she was suddenly in the one bedroom apartment that she and her husband had spent their early years of marriage.
20:26
SPEAKER_00: It was darker than the last two places.
20:28
SPEAKER_00: The feeling of heaviness in the room seemed to almost dim the lights.
20:32
SPEAKER_00: There she was, holding her newborn baby wrapped in pink, tears in her eyes threatening to spill.
20:38
SPEAKER_00: Then she remembered the tears weren't over the delight of new life.
20:41
SPEAKER_00: It was because the economic downturn had significantly impacted their personal finances and life.
20:47
SPEAKER_00: In the end, everything had worked out just fine.
20:50
SPEAKER_00: The hospital lowered their medical bills, they got surprise checks in the mail, and even enough freelance jobs made it work.
20:57
SPEAKER_00: But Jade had been so worried, fretting all the time that they weren't going to have what they needed.
21:02
SPEAKER_00: She had let the fear of not having enough steal what was precious in that stage of life.
21:07
SPEAKER_00: Fear overshadowed her baby's first Christmas, the news of her second pregnancy, and even when their finances began to take a turn for the better, she hadn't enjoyed the present and ignored all the ways the Lord had taken care of them time and time again.
21:22
SPEAKER_00: She wished she had rested in the truth that they would always have what they needed when they needed it.
21:27
SPEAKER_00: Instead, she had let worry and fear consume her thoughts.
21:31
SPEAKER_00: Regret tightened Jade's throat.
21:34
SPEAKER_00: Just as she was about to ask Joy to get her out of there, she found herself alone in the familiarity of her own bed.
21:42
SPEAKER_00: That annoying chime was going off, along with the vibration of the phone.
21:47
SPEAKER_00: Jake could feel it, and she could hear it, but she just couldn't seem to find it.
21:52
SPEAKER_00: Looking to the other side of the bed, she jumped out of her skin when she noticed a woman covered head to toe in woolen wraps was standing beside her.
22:00
SPEAKER_00: Who are you?
22:01
SPEAKER_00: Jade was ready to jump into action in defense of her home and possibly her life, but then she recognized the person in her room.
22:09
SPEAKER_00: It's you.
22:10
SPEAKER_00: You were ringing the bell in front of Bullseye Market.
22:13
SPEAKER_00: The figure just stood there, looked at her with those piercing eyes, and motioned her forward.
22:19
SPEAKER_00: Come with me, so that you may become a more generous woman.
22:23
SPEAKER_00: Jade started to step into her slippers one more time and follow this woman's lead.
22:28
SPEAKER_00: But she was suddenly at the city mission downtown.
22:31
SPEAKER_00: The ruckus laughter, metal spoons hitting metal pans, smells of savory and sweet filled the room.
22:36
SPEAKER_00: She knew they were preparing the Christmas meal for those who had nowhere else to go that holiday.
22:41
SPEAKER_00: Jade had served here many years ago, but somehow she had forgotten to make it fit in her schedule the last few years.
22:47
SPEAKER_00: She had intended to take the kids here so they could participate in giving to others and gain a healthy perspective on their personal abundance.
22:53
SPEAKER_00: But somehow it just hadn't happened.
22:55
SPEAKER_00: Walking around the kitchen, unseen, she smiled over the memories, preparing the meals with the volunteers.
23:02
SPEAKER_00: They had had so much fun from the joy of service.
23:04
SPEAKER_00: The thanks she received from the men and women they served the meals to that day had made her feel like she was the one getting something exceptional.
23:12
SPEAKER_00: She followed the bundle of woolen wraps to a room just around the corner, which was almost as loud as the first.
23:18
SPEAKER_00: Shoeboxes were stacked up high on a table, and on the other table boxes of new crayons, trinkets and toys.
23:25
SPEAKER_00: Kids and adults alike were coming through the door, bringing in grocery sacks filled with stuffed animals, soccer balls, and even brand new items of clothing.
23:33
SPEAKER_00: Jade had participated with the fill of shoebox for children program since she was a child herself.
23:38
SPEAKER_00: It just seemed that the cutoff date got earlier and earlier every year until she had forgotten about it altogether.
23:44
SPEAKER_00: She had loved taking her kids when they were tiny to pick out toys and needed items for others around the world.
23:49
SPEAKER_00: They had been thrilled to write notes and talk about what they thought the kids would think about the Christmas gifts they had chosen.
23:56
SPEAKER_00: The mysterious woman was beside her again, and before she could blink, she was in another room, though this one was unfamiliar.
24:04
SPEAKER_00: A well worn futon was pushed against the back wall, a broken chair across from it, and one window with bent shades that let in a single beam of dusky light.
24:13
SPEAKER_00: A young woman was sitting on the floor with two adorable children, a girl about Sila's age, and a boy who wasn't more than six or seven.
24:21
SPEAKER_00: Mamma, do you think Santa's gonna come this year?
24:25
SPEAKER_00: The little girl toyed with her habid at the end of her braid and looked at the empty space, save the dead pine needles under their crooked, unadorned evergreen tree.
24:33
SPEAKER_00: Oh sweetie, Santa always comes somehow, but we never know what he can afford for us this year.
24:41
SPEAKER_00: The woman, who couldn't have even been more than thirty, suddenly looked ten years older as her shoulders sunk even lower.
24:47
SPEAKER_00: But mamma, Santa doesn't need money.
24:50
SPEAKER_00: He has all the toys in the world.
24:53
SPEAKER_00: The smallest of the two argued back in reply.
24:56
SPEAKER_00: Well, mom, at church I thought that they had put my name on the tree near the front door, and a nice lady asked me what I wanted for Christmas.
25:04
SPEAKER_00: I saw her write it on a note.
25:06
SPEAKER_00: Her brown eyes got even brighter as she remembered what she had asked for.
25:11
SPEAKER_00: Jade had seen that tree in the front lobby of the church.
25:14
SPEAKER_00: She had walked by it several times, meaning to grab a tag off the brunch, but somehow it just hadn't happened yet.
25:20
SPEAKER_00: Tim, dear, did someone ask you what you wanted for Christmas?
25:24
SPEAKER_00: The single mom was grateful for the ministry at their church, which did their best to take care of them.
25:29
SPEAKER_00: Still, with her son going in and out of the hospital, she hadn't had a chance to reply to the email asking for the wish list ideas.
25:36
SPEAKER_00: Yes, mamma, I told the lady I wanted you to be happy all day.
25:42
SPEAKER_00: And no more doctor visits.
25:44
SPEAKER_00: Lots of snow on Christmas.
25:46
SPEAKER_00: As he shared the list with his mom, Jay could see that his energy wasn't of a typical boy his age, as his answer seemed to tire him, and then she noted the medical band around his wrist.
25:56
SPEAKER_00: Okay, you two.
25:58
SPEAKER_00: We have time for one more story, and then it's off to bed.
26:02
SPEAKER_00: The weary young woman gathered up the frail boy to carry him to the other room.
26:06
SPEAKER_00: I love you, mamma.
26:07
SPEAKER_00: Thank you.
26:09
SPEAKER_00: The boy stroked his mom's cheek with such tenderness, Jade started to choke back tears.
26:14
SPEAKER_00: I want to hear the baby Jesus story again.
26:18
SPEAKER_00: The conversation faded as they went down the hallway, and Jade startled to find herself settled safely back in her bed.
26:27
SPEAKER_00: That alarm where was her phone?
26:30
SPEAKER_00: Why on earth could she not find it?
26:32
SPEAKER_00: Jade got on her hands and knees, throwing pillows, pulling back all the bed covers when she felt another's presence in the room.
26:38
SPEAKER_00: Turning around cautiously, she saw a dark cloud.
26:43
SPEAKER_00: Only it wasn't a cloud exactly.
26:45
SPEAKER_00: It was an indeterminable shape that seemed to breathe and shapeshift to its own rhythm.
26:50
SPEAKER_00: Audible words came from the dark mass.
26:53
SPEAKER_00: Come with me, so that you may become a more generous woman.
26:58
SPEAKER_00: She had heard that phrase from Joy in the woolen wrapped volunteer, but this time it sounded foreboding and ominous.
27:05
SPEAKER_00: She shuddered and instinctively knew she did not want to go with this thing, but involuntarily she was pulled from the disarray of her bed into the darkness of the misty form.
27:15
SPEAKER_00: Like her previous two journeys in a moment, she was transported outside the familiarity of her room and bed.
27:21
SPEAKER_00: They were in what seemed to be a dorm hall.
27:23
SPEAKER_00: There was a buzz of youthful energy and activity, odd smells and college age students going in and out of rooms, hollering and high fiving one another.
27:31
SPEAKER_00: They went straight through a closed door directly across from them, and though Jay didn't feel any pain, morphing through the solid doors rattled her even more than what she was seeing in front of her.
27:42
SPEAKER_00: It was her oldest daughter Seela, six or more years in the future, lounging on a worn down leather couch, surrounded by other college freshmen settled in on woven footstools, beanbags, and on a bright green rug.
27:56
SPEAKER_00: Yeah, I'm dreading Christmas this year.
27:58
SPEAKER_00: Jade was surprised to hear Seela's voice sounding more mature and developed.
28:03
SPEAKER_00: But why?
28:03
SPEAKER_00: The blonde and the bright orange beanbag snapped her gum and flipped another page in her magazine.
28:08
SPEAKER_00: My mom gets so cranky this time of year.
28:10
SPEAKER_00: Seela's brow furrowed and her lips pursed.
28:13
SPEAKER_00: The holidays should be super fun and lighthearted, but I think she gets so stressed about all the money and all the things that she has to do.
28:20
SPEAKER_00: She just sparks at us and makes us feel bad about wanting gifts.
28:23
SPEAKER_00: Oh, I totally know what you mean, chimed in another young woman with braids and a dark brown complexion.
28:29
SPEAKER_00: Christmas was always when my mom would work extra hours to give us something special, and it was my little brother's most favorite time of year.
28:36
SPEAKER_00: Sela looked up from her sketchbook and with a knowing look.
28:39
SPEAKER_00: I bet you miss Tim a lot, especially during the holidays.
28:43
SPEAKER_00: Well, we all do.
28:45
SPEAKER_00: It hasn't been the same since sweet Timmy passed.
28:47
SPEAKER_00: It's like all the happiness left my mom.
28:50
SPEAKER_00: I mean, I'm still here, and I know she loves me.
28:53
SPEAKER_00: But Tim was something special.
28:55
SPEAKER_00: He was just so sweet.
28:57
SPEAKER_00: Tears filled her eyes as she tried to smile through them.
29:00
SPEAKER_00: Sela looked remorseful.
29:02
SPEAKER_00: I'm sorry.
29:04
SPEAKER_00: My situation doesn't seem all that bad, especially when I remember what you guys are dealing with.
29:09
SPEAKER_00: I understand, though, because you all have each other, right?
29:13
SPEAKER_00: And you want your mom to enjoy that you can all be together this Christmas and you have all that you need.
29:18
SPEAKER_00: I still think Tim could have gotten better if we had just had the right doctors and enough money to pay for all the treatments he needed.
29:25
SPEAKER_00: There was deep passion behind Jasmine's words.
29:28
SPEAKER_00: And that's why I'm gonna specialize in the study of rare diseases.
29:32
SPEAKER_00: I will start a clinic where anyone can get help.
29:34
SPEAKER_00: I don't want anyone else to suffer like we did.
29:37
SPEAKER_00: I think you're gonna make an amazing physician, Jasmine.
29:39
SPEAKER_00: But I wish I had known you all those years ago.
29:42
SPEAKER_00: I would have given all my money to help Tim get better.
29:44
SPEAKER_00: I know you would have.
29:46
SPEAKER_00: And maybe if my mom hadn't been too afraid to ask, people like you would have been willing to help.
29:50
SPEAKER_00: Jasmine shook off the regret and looked at Seela.
29:53
SPEAKER_00: So, what are you gonna do about Christmas?
29:55
SPEAKER_00: Wanna come to my house?
29:57
SPEAKER_00: Seela perked up and bounced onto her knees.
29:59
SPEAKER_00: Yes, that's a fabulous idea.
30:02
SPEAKER_00: Now, I won't have to deal with my mom's scrooge-like behavior or stress and grumpiness.
30:06
SPEAKER_00: You and I can just focus on being together and having fun with all your extended family.
30:11
SPEAKER_00: I'll have to call her though, and she is not gonna like it.
30:14
SPEAKER_00: But she'll just have to deal.
30:16
SPEAKER_00: Unlike her step through the door, Jade felt pain grip her heart as she heard her daughter, or future daughter, speak those words.
30:23
SPEAKER_00: She also realized that Jasmine was the little girl with her brother named Tim, who she saw with the mysterious woman not long before.
30:30
SPEAKER_00: It broke her heart to think that sweet boy didn't make it, and all for the lack of help from others who could have given a little to save his life.
30:37
SPEAKER_00: Before she could compute what she saw, in a blink Jade was in a home with pictures on the wall of her family.
30:43
SPEAKER_00: But it wasn't the house she was familiar with.
30:46
SPEAKER_00: She saw a figure at her dining room table, hunched over bills, papers, and tapping on a spreadsheet.
30:52
SPEAKER_00: Hey, mom, guess what?
30:54
SPEAKER_00: Her son, looking several years older, bounced up to the woman pouring over her work and waited for a reply.
30:59
SPEAKER_00: Without looking up, what?
31:02
SPEAKER_00: I'm in the middle of something.
31:03
SPEAKER_00: Why are you so loud?
31:04
SPEAKER_00: I made it! I got it on the hockey travel team.
31:08
SPEAKER_00: Eagerness and pride lit up Mason's face.
31:10
SPEAKER_00: Where are you going to get the money to pay for this?
31:13
SPEAKER_00: And how can you expect me to get to you to all those games?
31:15
SPEAKER_00: You know how busy I am.
31:16
SPEAKER_00: You'll have to call your dad and ask him to help you out.
31:19
SPEAKER_00: It was now clear to Jade who the woman was at the table.
31:22
SPEAKER_00: Oh, mom, I thought you'd be happy for me.
31:25
SPEAKER_00: You know how much I've wanted this.
31:27
SPEAKER_00: Mason's shoulders slumped as he pulled a phone from his back pocket.
31:31
SPEAKER_00: Maybe Dad will celebrate with me.
31:33
SPEAKER_00: Yeah, maybe he will.
31:34
SPEAKER_00: And when you tell him, will you remind him that his check is two days late?
31:37
SPEAKER_00: Jade watched her future self go back to her keyboard, wrapped in misery.
31:41
SPEAKER_00: Mason mumbled quietly, though.
31:43
SPEAKER_00: Her future self didn't seem to hear, and still, as she watched, she could discern his words from afar.
31:49
SPEAKER_00: She's such a big grump now.
31:51
SPEAKER_00: I know why Dad left, and I know why Cela couldn't wait to get out of here.
31:54
SPEAKER_00: At least she won't want to take me to all my games.
31:57
SPEAKER_00: The pain in her heart grew to something fierce.
32:00
SPEAKER_00: How could this be her future?
32:02
SPEAKER_00: Why did her kids dislike her so much?
32:04
SPEAKER_00: And her husband is now out of the picture?
32:06
SPEAKER_00: Surely this wasn't her future.
32:08
SPEAKER_00: She turned to the dark vapor still beside her, in hopes that somehow she would be reassured that this would not be her life.
32:15
SPEAKER_00: But she knew the answer.
32:17
SPEAKER_00: These visions were given to her so she could become a better woman.
32:21
SPEAKER_00: The trajectory of her life was headed straight towards lowliness, bitterness, and miserliness.
32:27
SPEAKER_00: This was her chance.
32:28
SPEAKER_00: It was her opportunity to begin again.
32:31
SPEAKER_00: She fell to her knees to pray in earnest.
32:34
SPEAKER_00: Tears flowed down her cheeks unchecked.
32:37
SPEAKER_00: Please, please, I I don't want to be miserly and ungrateful.
32:42
SPEAKER_00: She continued her prayer in earnest.
32:45
SPEAKER_00: She knew what she needed to do.
32:47
SPEAKER_00: She repented of putting her hope and all her energy in hoarding her resources.
32:52
SPEAKER_00: Her desire to feel secure in savings had zapped the joy out of her amazing life and relationships.
32:58
SPEAKER_00: She knew she had been given so much and no longer wanted to hesitate to be generous.
33:03
SPEAKER_00: She would choose to live like she believed in the faithfulness of her provider.
33:08
SPEAKER_00: A wave of peace rushed over her as she confessed her lack of faith.
33:14
SPEAKER_00: She asked for help to trust in the one who had always been faithful to care for her every need.
33:20
SPEAKER_00: The chime from her phone alarm went off again, and this time her hand grasped the phone.
33:25
SPEAKER_00: She was sure of what she needed to do next.
33:28
SPEAKER_00: Jade slid out of bed into her slippers and sprinted out of her room to find the kids.
33:32
SPEAKER_00: Glancing out the window as she passed, she noted the snow had now stopped, leaving a pretty dusting on the bare trees and the blacktop clear of any precipitation.
33:42
SPEAKER_00: Being only thirty minutes into their Christmas movie, there were protests from each of them as she powered off the screen.
33:48
SPEAKER_00: Quiet, she boomed with mom like authority.
33:51
SPEAKER_00: Silenced, they looked at her from their sprawled out positions on the couch.
33:55
SPEAKER_00: Listen, I'm I'm very sorry about the way I behaved at the store today.
34:00
SPEAKER_00: Looking to each child, Jade made eye contact to make sure she had their attention.
34:05
SPEAKER_00: Would you please forgive me?
34:07
SPEAKER_00: I shouldn't have behaved that way.
34:09
SPEAKER_00: There's no excuse.
34:11
SPEAKER_00: While she wanted to blame it on the stress of her irrational thoughts, she knew that would negate her apology.
34:17
SPEAKER_00: Everything in her wanted to share the lesson she learned from Christmas past, present, and future, but she knew her actions would speak louder than words.
34:25
SPEAKER_00: As if Sila understood her thoughts, she gave Jade a knowing look and responded to the apology.
34:30
SPEAKER_00: Of course, mom, we forgive you.
34:33
SPEAKER_00: And then the other two echoed their forgiveness.
34:35
SPEAKER_00: So I've done some thinking, and I need to make things right.
34:39
SPEAKER_00: Would you guys be willing to help me?
34:40
SPEAKER_00: Jade waited for them to nod their heads.
34:43
SPEAKER_00: Now grab your coats and help me load the car with those decorations I just bought.
34:46
SPEAKER_00: Surprised that she was met with little grumbling from the kids, Jade headed back to her room to grab a stash of bills.
34:52
SPEAKER_00: This would be a perfect step for solidifying her newfound revelation and freedom.
34:57
SPEAKER_00: As she backed out of the driveway, she handed Seela her phone.
35:00
SPEAKER_00: Let's crank up some Christmas tunes.
35:02
SPEAKER_00: What do you want to listen to first?
35:04
SPEAKER_00: Surprised but thrilled, Seela happily obeyed orders.
35:08
SPEAKER_00: Hallie and Mason, would you help me look for something?
35:10
SPEAKER_00: Jade looked at them in the rearview mirror.
35:12
SPEAKER_00: I think those boy scouts might still be walking the neighborhood.
35:15
SPEAKER_00: Let's try to find them and order a popcorn tin for your teachers.
35:18
SPEAKER_00: Cheers erupted from the middle row.
35:20
SPEAKER_00: Can we get one for us, Mom?
35:22
SPEAKER_00: Mason could already taste the caramel corn in his mouth.
35:25
SPEAKER_00: Well, how about we buy the ingredients to make my family's secret caramel recipe?
35:30
SPEAKER_00: You know how to make caramel corn, Mom, Hallie said, disbelieving, mouth opening, turning to see if her brother was surprised as she was.
35:38
SPEAKER_00: Jay cleared her throat.
35:40
SPEAKER_00: Well, I know I'm a little out of practice, but it'll be fun to do together.
35:44
SPEAKER_00: Does that sound okay?
35:46
SPEAKER_00: Mason interrupted.
35:47
SPEAKER_00: Look, Mom, I see those two boys down there.
35:49
SPEAKER_00: He pointed to a house down the block.
35:51
SPEAKER_00: Excuse me, boys.
35:53
SPEAKER_00: They startled at her approach, and not wanting them to run away when they recognized her, she didn't pause.
35:58
SPEAKER_00: Do you still have some popcorn tins that I could buy from you?
36:01
SPEAKER_00: The two looked at each other from under their knit caps and then at Jade.
36:04
SPEAKER_00: Yes, ma'am.
36:06
SPEAKER_00: Would you like to get one?
36:07
SPEAKER_00: With a smile, Jade asked.
36:09
SPEAKER_00: How quickly can I get them if I order ten?
36:12
SPEAKER_00: She put the van and park and pressed the emergency light button so she could fill out their order form.
36:17
SPEAKER_00: With the check in hand, they walked with heads held high and giddiness in their step as they headed to another neighbor's house with newfound confidence.
36:25
SPEAKER_00: Pulling into the parking lot of the Bullseye Market, Jade spied her.
36:29
SPEAKER_00: Just as she had hoped, the Scarfladen volunteer was still there.
36:32
SPEAKER_00: She was faithfully ringing the bell, reminding him to drop their change in the bucket beside her.
36:37
SPEAKER_00: Rolling up a$50 bill, she handed it to Mason along with a dollar and quarters to provide that plinking sound to delight him as he hit the rest of the collection.
36:46
SPEAKER_00: The twinkling blue eyes of the bell ringer gave Jade a wink as she watched Mason deliver her donation.
36:52
SPEAKER_00: The customer service counter was blessedly quiet, and the kids waited patiently as she returned her unneeded impulse purchase from earlier that day.
37:00
SPEAKER_00: Tucking her receipt into her wallet, she saw the blessing tree tag.
37:04
SPEAKER_00: Still feeling confused about her dream, or was it real?
37:08
SPEAKER_00: She turned to determine her path through the store.
37:11
SPEAKER_00: All right, guys, we are on a mission for a couple of things.
37:14
SPEAKER_00: Will you accept my challenge?
37:17
SPEAKER_00: All three hooted and hollered until Jade made the quiet down.
37:20
SPEAKER_00: First, we need to get this wish list item for a boy named Tim.
37:24
SPEAKER_00: And then we have some shoe boxes to fill for this Saturday's Christmas concert.
37:28
SPEAKER_00: Who has that shopping list?
37:30
SPEAKER_00: Jade looked at Seela, who waved the post-it note at her.
37:33
SPEAKER_00: And if you can help without fussing and arguing, we can get those clothes you need for the Christmas party.
37:39
SPEAKER_00: She looked at Seela, whose dimples were flashing.
37:42
SPEAKER_00: Mason, we'll find a pair of jeans you can wear, so you don't get a bad grade.
37:46
SPEAKER_00: Jade watched him fight the grin that was about to overtake his dimpled face.
37:49
SPEAKER_00: And last but not least, Hallie, we'll find a fun outfit that fits the bill for your performance.
37:54
SPEAKER_00: Once again, their desire to celebrate overtook their self-control and volume levels.
38:00
SPEAKER_00: Still, Jade decided to laugh it off and pointed the cart in the direction of the toy department.
38:06
SPEAKER_00: Later that night, with her cup of tea, Jade soaked in the dreamy silence paired beautifully with the glowing twinkle lights on the tree.
38:12
SPEAKER_00: The kids were tucked into bed, satisfied by giving and receiving.
38:16
SPEAKER_00: Her heart was full of the transformation generosity always produces.
38:21
SPEAKER_00: An ornament swaying back and forth on the tree caught her eye.
38:25
SPEAKER_00: It was a silver bell and red bow, engraved with their wedding date.
38:29
SPEAKER_00: The memory made her smile as she remembered it had been given to them by Aunt Jacqueline.
38:34
SPEAKER_00: Walking to the tree and sliding the bell off the branch, she looked at the front and instinctively flipped it over.
38:39
SPEAKER_00: She hadn't remembered anything being on the back before, but etched into the thin middle was a verse reference.
38:46
SPEAKER_00: Hmm.
38:47
SPEAKER_00: Second Corinthians 2, 7, 8, and 9.
38:51
SPEAKER_00: Aunt Jackie, are you trying to tell me something?
38:55
SPEAKER_00: Opening her Bible app, Jade searched for the scriptures.
38:58
SPEAKER_00: Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty.
39:02
SPEAKER_00: Let it spring up freely from the joy of giving.
39:05
SPEAKER_00: All because God loves hilarious generosity.
39:08
SPEAKER_00: Yes, God is more than ready to overwhelm you with every form of grace, so that you will have more than enough of everything, every moment and in every way.
39:19
SPEAKER_00: He will make you overflow with abundance in every good thing you do, just as the scriptures say about the one who trusts in him, because he has sown extravagantly and given to the poor, his kindness and generous deeds will never be forgotten.
39:34
SPEAKER_00: Reminiscing with gratefulness, Jade realized that this truth had finally gone from her head knowledge to a revelation in her heart.
39:42
SPEAKER_00: And even more grateful still, she saw the value of what the past could teach her, the gifts the present has to offer, and how the hope of leaving a future legacy of generosity could guide her.