The story of this little lamb

 

Have I ever told you the story of this little lamb? I don't think I have. It is a sweet story, and I wanted to share it with you this holiday season.

Fifteen years ago (aack! I can't believe it's been that long!), I was a mom of a young Sam and two older brothers. We were living in the suburbs of St. Louis at the time, and I was attending MOPS at our church. It was a wonderful way to make friends and stay connected with our new congregation. They were amazing families, and I still think of our time with them with the deepest gratitude.

If you've ever been to MOPS, you know that they have mentors at their meetings. Mentors are seasoned Moms who know a thing or two, and are there to juggle your babies so you can eat brunch and sip coffee. They offer advice and consolation and encouragement. They are your moms and aunts and grandmas when you don't have those important people close by.

It was 2007, and we were enjoying our last meeting together before the holidays. One of our mentors, Barb Lochmann, was the sweetest woman. We lovingly referred to her as Grandma Barbie. Barb gave us an inspirational talk that day, sharing the story of her old and treasured German nativity set, and what it meant to her.

She went on to speak about how the holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a difficult time for families who have lost loved ones, or families who were dealing with painful circumstances like cancer.

It really touched me. We had just learned that week that my father's cancer had spread to all of his lymph nodes. We knew that it would be his last Christmas with us this side of heaven.

I shared this with Barb later on in our meeting. I told her how much her words meant to me.

And then she did the most amazing thing.

She went to that treasured nativity, picked up a sheep, and handed it to me.

"Here", she said. "I want you to have this."

I tried to refuse, but she insisted. She gave me words of hope that day, and her generous heart has left a lasting impression.

I keep this little lamb out all year long as a reminder. It reminds me to hold on to hope. And it reminds me to be generous, like Barb.

It was, in fact, our last Christmas with my Dad. We surprised him that year by loading up the van with kids and dog, making the 8+ hour journey, and showing up at their house just before Christmas Eve. And with tears in his eyes, he told us it was the best present we could ever give him.

Not all presents come wrapped in festive papers and bows. Some just show up on your doorstep. And some come from an impromptu gift of the heart.

Blessings, café friends!