Service Brings Joy

Last Sunday a sister in our ward who has 5 kids under 8, had on a pair of shoes that were falling apart.  Just before RS ended the baby was fussy and she ended up leaving her babies booties in the RS room.  Tenielle picked up the booties and brought them home.  All through RS I tried to figure out what size shoe she wore.  I also noticed she wore the same outfit several weeks in a row.  I've actually been watching her for months.  When we got home Tenielle and I had the same thought to do something special for her for Christmas.  I went down to my closet and found 2 dresses, 1 still with the tags on it, a sweater that still had the tags on it that I loved but that is just a little to small, another sweater and a shirt.  Mom found a pair of shoes to match each dress from her closet, which just happen to be her size (we discovered with the help of the RS president).  We put some money in each booty, wrapped them up and dropped them at the door step.  A few days ago we received the most heartfelt email via the RS president from this sister which told us that she hasn't bought anything new for herself except for at the DI since she got married (at least 7 years ago) and that there wouldn't have been a gift under the tree with her name on it had someone not have left her a gift.  We have all been a little emotional when we talk about this.  We truly felt the true meaning of Christmas.  I think this service brought us the most joy of all.  Today she looked beautiful and confident in her new dress and seeing her brought us joy and a few more tears, knowing we helped make her Christmas and ours too.