My co-workers and I pick work schedules on a seniority basis. No one expects anyone to pick on anything but a selfish basis (nor do we intend to ourselves). We aren't always happy with our lot, but seniority is the deal and we accept it.
When it came to picking shifts for Christmas, it turned out I would be the first person obligated to work the day if no one with more seniority choose to. I assumed I'd be working.
Shortly before Thanksgiving it was my turn to pick. Unexpectedly I had the option to take the day off! The co-worker one slot above me in seniority said she didn't really have anything going on and remembered how important Christmas was as a kid. (She doesn't have kids but knows I do.) She decided to work a shift so I could have the day off (or someone else could if I didn't want it)!
What I gift. I've been enjoying it since I received the first part of the gift before Thanksgiving. I'll especially enjoy it as I spend Christmas with my kids and husband. They'll enjoy it too. And I'll savor it all the more because of how quickly kids grow and change. This Christmas, or another with my kids as they are now, will never come again.
I doubt any of the typical Christmas gifts I've given or received have been as much in keeping with the meaning and spirit of Christmas as this. Its a notable act of giving of oneself for the good of others.
I didn't have the clarity to express the meaning of Christmas in those terms before I reflected on this situation. I know it doesn't cover all the bases. But it seems helpful, full of potential from secular or religious perspectives.
So, thanks to to sam for insight, inspiration and the gift of Christmas Day spent with my family.
No comments:
Post a Comment