Tina

I will never forget the look on her face as she sat on her walker listening to the song of the carolers in her doorway. She was soaking in the moment and her expression was one of happiness, yet I could see a silent pleading lay beneath the surface of her joy.

I was among the family and friends that were singing those Christmas songs that day. It was the same year that my sister had just began a relationship with her now husband, so we were basking in the newness of it all and just enjoying being together.
We had been out carolling for some time already before we arrived at this particular apartment building, and standing in the hallway I saw Tina. I heard her heart cry. She seemed to be starving for a little bit of love. I immediately wanted to go to her, my heart ached to love, but fear propelled my feet to walk away.

As the group of us moved on down the hall to spread some more Christmas cheer at the other end of the building, I glanced back to see her still sitting silently in her doorway, all alone, hands in her lap, as if she were engraving the moment in her memory to carry with her that Christmas.

We finished singing, yet still she remained where she was, watching us as we began to bundle up and head out to continue our caroling journey.
I couldn't leave. There was something in her eyes that compelled me to go to her. So (after a few promptings from my soon-to-be brother in-law) I went. Together, a friend and I walked over to this precious lady and asked her what her name was.
"Tina."
I then asked her the question that I had been curious to know since the moment she first peeked out of her door to listen to our singing; "Do you have someone that you are able to spend Christmas with?" "No, I am alone." was the answer that came in a sweet voice, barely about a whisper.
Not able to stand the urge a moment longer, I asked if she would mind if I gave her a hug. At that Tina eagerly reached out her arms and as I embraced her in a friendly hug she whispered in my ear "Oh, I love you!".
To love and be loved was her desire.
After responding with an "I love you too" another hug was shared with my friend and Tina. Then, wishing her a "Merry Christmas", I reluctantly turned away and went to rejoin our group of carollers.

I think about Tina often.
I wonder how many Tina s there are out there that need just a little something, someone to show that they really care.
I don't know how my hug affected Tina that day, maybe she needed more then just a brief moment with strangers, but I know that Tina's hug affected me.
She reminded me that there is a world out there desperate for a little bit of light in their lives.

We were given a precious gift.
Jesus Christ was born to give us a new life, and because of that new life we are given a light that shines bright in our soul, bringing us peace, comfort, and joy.
It is a gift that is meant to be shared, to light up the darkness in the lives of those around us.

No man, when he has lighted a candle, puts it in a secret place,

or under a bushel, but on a candlestick,

that they who come in will see the light.

Luke 11:33