the jar.

I received a gift this week that was truly about the spirit of the Christmas season.

Coming in from work the other night, I saw a gift bag tucked in between the doors in the front of my home.

Inside was a peanut butter jar filled with change. Mostly quarters, and a $10 bill. On the red lid in black marker was written "Merry Christmas."

There was no note.

I would love to thank whoever left it, and have tried to figure it out.
But so far, no luck.

I am amazed at the anonymous generosity. Although we sometimes struggle month to month, my family is far and away better off than many people I know. To think that someone gave up this sum of money to help us demonstrates what really matters: that people are good, and kind, and thoughtful.

I am so thankful to have received the jar. I may keep it on the kitchen counter as a reminder of the goodness in my life.

Better yet, I hope to pay it forward in 2010, and keep the spirit of this season alive and well.

Merry Christmas.