Movements Of The Heart

     Jennifer sat in the quiet stillness of her room, as her two young children slept peacefully just down the hall.  She sorted through her wallet for the seventh time and then proceeded to empty out her piggy bank again.  Things have been really tight since her husband passed away.

   She wanted to give her children something wonderful for the holidays.  But, she just didn't have the funds to be able to do so.  Tears began to stream down her face despite her valiant efforts to hold them back.  She slowly got ready for bed.

  As morning arrived, she got the children ready for school, and then proceeded to work as usual.  A friend noticed the change in her usually bubbly personality.  Lea has been a confident and friend to her since they began working together three years ago.

  "What's wrong Jennifer?"  She asked her with love.  "Nothing,"  Jennifer said.  Lea invited Jennifer out to lunch that day at a local cafe.  When the food was delivered, she asked Jennifer if she minded prayer.

  "No, of course not,"  Jennifer said.  Lea took Jennifer's hand and began to pray.  She asked God to bless the food, and to bless her dear friend.  Jennifer began to cry.  She broke down and told Lea what was on her heart.

  "You don't have to buy things to show love my friend."  Lea said.  "The greatest gifts come from the heart."  Jennifer dried her tears and began to see the great wisdom in her friend's suggestion.  

  She saved up a few dollars and went to the store to buy supplies that she could afford.  She cut out several pictures of both of her children through the years and put them in the wooden picture frames.  She then painted hearts on them and the phrase 'Mommie's treasures from God's heart.'

  Jennifer made a card for each child and wrote what each one meant to her heart inside.  She wrapped them and tied red string around each one.  When the holiday finally came, Jennifer was amazed by the joy on her children's faces.

  "You made this for us Mommy?"  Her Son said.  "Thank you so much."  Jennifer learned a very valuable lesson in her life.  It is not what she gives her kids that can be purchased that counts.  She began going to church with her friend and found a new family.

  The greatest things in life come from the heart, with love.

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