She Gave all She Had
She gave all she had
It was three days before Christmas. Young man Michael who had owned his shop from his father, who has passed away a year ago, was busy packing the Christmas gifts and wishing people a merry Christmas. He knew it was going to be a difficult Christmas. He has lost his mother 4 years ago and his sole support and confidant his father had left him and gone for his heavenly reward. When all people were looking forward to a warm Christmas he was finding it difficult to think that he may have to spend it all alone. That thought really did hurt him.
Just then in the middle of the crowd he noticed a little girl with her hand firmly held together looking for his attention. Her fists were clenched and he asked her what she wanted. She pointed to the beads on the window and asked whether he could take it down. You know she said I have a sister who takes such care of me and I have to give her something special. Those beads fit fine.
He asked her whether she had the money.
She said yes. You know I had to break my piggy bank and get out all the money. She opened her fist and put all she had on the counter. He counted and found exactly 37 cents. He saw the price tag and it was 12,50. He asked her what your name is. She said Barbara. And you know she said after my parents died she has done so much for me and there were tears in her eyes.
Michael decided fast. He wrapped in a beautiful gold paper and said handle it carefully. She replied I know what to do. She had the smile which made Michael skip his heart beat. She could have been but 6 years old.
It was eve of Christmas and it was snowing heavily and he was about to close his shop and suddenly some young lady appeared at the door. By the very face he knew she had something to do with Barbara. She had the packet in hand and asked whether it came from the shop and opened the pearls. Michael said yes and Barbara did take it. But she could not have paid said the young girl. It is beautiful and expensive.
But, said Michael did you like it? And the girl reluctantly said yes.
Then Michael said yes Barbara did pay for it. She paid all that he had. He wrapped the little parcel again and placed it in her hand.
I am Michael and may I know your name? She said I am Susan and accepted the packet.
Suddenly Michael turned to her and said: Look, it is Christmas Eve and I have no one to spend evening with. Barbara has shown me something special. She gave all she had to make you happy. I have no one to celebrate Christmas with. Can I spend it with you and Barbara?
Hence began a new Christmas where the little girl showed how one can give to the other everything.
God Bless You
Happy Christmas
Fr Eugene Lobo SJ
