Suprise

Christmas was in the air and spirits were high. Nailah had just made a new friend that year; although she was a bit older than her, they were birthday mates and they had established a very special and admirable bond.

I had shopped and done as much as I could to prepare for the Christmas holiday and hoped that I would be able to make her second Christmas more fun than her first.

I had just gotten to the office when I saw my colleague Ajike and her little girl on their way out because they were traveling to the village for the Christmas holiday. My friend passed me a nice bag and said 'it's for Nailah'!

Apparently, while doing their Christmas shopping, she and her daughter decided to get Nailah a Christmas gift. In all honesty, I was surprised as I was not expecting anything like that. I was truly moved by their kind gesture and thoughtfulness to my little girl and I thanked them profusely.

We said our goodbyes as we also would be headed for Jos that day. While on the trip, my mind kept replaying what had happened. I was so happy and just could not get over what they had done for Nailah. I had shared the incident with my husband and niece and they were as touched as I was.

Nailah, on the other hand, loved the beautiful pink dress she had just received even though she had little understanding of how much it was worth and the love that had been poured into it, but I did.

I kept wondering what could have made them think of my little girl like that!

To some people, it may just be a dress, but to me, it was the thought that had moved me more than anything else. I have never done anything super special for my friend Ajike and her daughter to warrant such kindness and we were not related by blood so there was nothing that should make them do this. They did not owe me anything I thought to myself.

While I was reflecting on those thoughts, I silently kept thinking of ways and praying for opportunities to come that I would be able to do something super special for them (Ajike and her daughter) to show my gratitude.

While I kept thinking and smiling, God told me something that changed my Christmas orientation forever.

God: Serah, you seem so pleased with what your friend Ajike and her daughter did for Nailah right?

Serah: I said yes. I told him how extremely happy I was and how I was just thinking of something I could do to show her and her daughter how much I appreciated what they had done for Nailah.

God told me that the same way I am so happy and moved with the show of kindness to my child is the same way he is happy and moved when we show kindness to any of his children. So also the way I was looking and praying for opportunities to bless my friend and her daughter for what they had done is the same way He also is looking and waiting for opportunities to bless those who have blessed his children and thought of ways to make them happy or bring smiles on their faces. I got the picture and the message and I hope you do too.

Every time we set out to be a blessing, God is also setting himself to bless us for the joy we have brought to the lives of his Children and the reverse holds as well. That is why the bible says ' I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you' (Genesis 12:3).

There is no parent on the face of this earth who is not pleased when someone shows/extends kindness to their children. We all learn it from God. So as this Christmas is coming, kindly take time to show kindness to someone. Make someone feel loved, remembered and special. It doesn't have to be something expensive, it just needs to be something that you have put great thought into that comes from the heart, but be like David, who says' I shall not give God what cost me nothing" (2nd Samuel 24:24) for ultimately, every gift you give a child of God is given to the Father as well. So go and spread some holiday cheer!!

Have a Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

Lots of Love from Lessons from Nailah