It was a Baptist Sunday School Christmas Party. I don't know how old I was, only that we were already living in Alabama. The party was at an adult's house.
There were gifts to be exchanged based on numbers to be drawn. My memory of the event is vivid. The little girl who's gift I drew, and whose name I clearly remember, said to me, "I hope you like it. I think you will. I don't know anyone who doesn't like these."
What do you suppose I found when I unwrapped that present?
Chocolate Covered Cherries. I don't know whether I even knew what Chocolate Covered Cherries were, but I knew I did not like them. They most certainly were NOT my idea of an appropriate gift. My disappointment was overwhelming and I threw an absolute fit, a tantrum. I cried and cried and my parent's had to come and take me home.
I remember the event and the little girl from time to time. For many years the memory filled me with guilt and shame, and I know that I have worried about how I made that little girl feel, just like I've worried about that little old lady whose groceries I once accidentally took home ("Walmart and My One Year Old Do NOT Mix Well", 11/17/07).
The part of the story I think is funny follows:
I worked almost four years as secretary at a local law firm, during which time I discovered that one of the attorney's there had hosted that Sunday School Christmas Party so many years before. I do not know whether he had any memory of the event--I believe it was his wife who actually handled all of the arrangements. When I discovered this connection I did not hesitate to mention it to the attorney in question. When I had laughingly finished my story he said to me, with a perfectly straight face, "Oh, you're THAT girl. My wife still talks about that."
While I am honestly ashamed of my behavior on that, and other similar occasions, I realize that God has used all of my experiences to make me who I am today. While I know that I have not consistently pleased Him through the years, I do know that He has consistently loved me, and that the hard heart of a difficult child can be transformed into the soft and malleable heart of a child of God.
6 comments:
I love that story! Every Christmas.
Thanks for sharing the story. I was very curious. I wonder what your idea of an appropriate gift was? And do you actually eat CCC?
We watched a Little House episode recently, when the girls got next to nothing for Christmas, but were very happy about it. I was wanting to say something to my kids, who are more caught in the throes of consumerism than I'd like, but I decided to let it lie. They did seem to be taking it all in, though.
I think back on incidences like yours, too, Kelly. I have decided to use them as a reminder to pray for that person, hoping the blessing outweighs the offense. Wondering if that wasn't God's plan to do them good despite myself, all along!
Great story! Thanks.
I agree, great story. Thanks for sharing it.
Fortunately, I like chocolate covered cherries. I dig cherries anyway. I am also a fan of dark chocolate, and since my in-laws are so loving, they "give Kelly" dark chocolate covered cherries each Christmas, for my sake.
After 7 years of marriage, Kelly finally decided to give me the benefit of the doubt and taste one of these things. And to her amazement she actually liked it.
shelly said....
I have a similar story of being that child..... I too have struggled with "what was wrong with me" ...but I guess I should be thankful because now I can tell my kids how not to act with threats and even rewards if need be to avoid that situation :) JK
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