It had been an especially busy day at the dental office. It was Christmas Eve and the Doctor & I, who was girl Friday, were both surprised that so many people would make an appointment on Christmas Eve. However we were going to leave early afternoon, I was pleased about that as I was very tired and I had two pies to bake before going to my parents home for Christmas. We'd go to my mother's dad's house for Christmas Eve supper. I was like Robert Frost, with miles to go before I sleep. I was thankful my apartment was just next door to the dental office.
Doctor, as I called him, had gone home for his Christmas Holiday .I had cleaned the office, and had just completed my last insurance form when the telephone rang. The calls was from a patron of the beauty shop where I had previously worked as a hairdresser before changing my profession to a dental assistant. This lady's husband had terminal cancer, and it seemed his time on earth would be very short. She informed me he was wanting a hair cut, she said he didn't want to die needing a hair cut, and also he wanted to look good for Christmas day. She had called several barbers and hairdressers and no one was available to give him a hair cut.
My first thought was how tired I was, I still had pies to bake, and needed to get Mother and Dad's, then to Papaws for supper, as quickly as I had that thought , the next thought came from Jesus's own words saying, "When you have done it unto the least of these my brother, you have done it unto me. I responded with I'd be happy to come by and cut his hair, but what about clippers, mine were at my parents home. She said, oh I borrowed some. She and I agreed on a time that was convenient for us both.
As I cut his hair, I was aware of his lack of strength and energy, and wondered if he could sit long enough for the hair cut. When I finished with his hair, he immediately laid down on his hospital bed. He and his wife thanked me over and over again. I noticed an envelope on the kitchen counter with my name on it, and I knew inside was a check for me. The sweet holy spirit of God pricked my heart once again with when you've done it unto the least of these, and I defiantly knew I'd not be taking that check. Just as I expected she picked up the envelope handing it to me, and I gently declined, she and her husband both cried. I explained that I did it in Jesus's love and in His name, and it was my way of giving them Christmas in Jesus name, and I cried with them.
I left their home and cried most of the drive to my parents home, feeling the presence of Jesus so strong in my life, feeling so sad for this fine lady and her husband knowing this was his last Christmas on earth. I had such peace about not taking the money, though I didn't have a dollar in my wallet. I kept out very little cash from my check each month, I needed little cash as I gave checks for most things, but did try to keep a few dollars on me, that Christmas Eve I was flat broke as far as spending money was concerned . Yet I felt I had just experienced Christmas with this fine couple.
Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is Love, and over and over that Christmas Eve, I felt Jesus saying this is why I came, to share my love.
Christmas Day was wonderful at my parents hone with all the family there, the grand kids made it an especially happy day. As far as I was concerned I had already experienced Christmas, and no gift that I received that day could compare the Peace of true Christmas Jesus had placed with in my heart. As Christmas Day was winding down, my sister in law handed me an envelope with some cash in it. Her sister had given it to her to give to me, I questioned , "what is this for. She responded with, Scharly says that's for the hair cut you gave her last week and she didn't give you any money, and she wanted you to have this. I said what a lovely surprise, but I wasn't expecting any money for that hair cut. She knew you didn't expect money , said my sister-in -law, but she wanted to give you a little gift. Quick tears sprang to my eyes as I left the room and put the gift of cash in my empty wallet, and I just knew that cash was the exact amount of the check the lady had for me . Once again I heard the words in my mind and heart, when you do it unto the least of these. I smiled through my tears and said, "Yes Jesus I know."
Yes it was the gentleman's last hair cut. Two days after Christmas he went home to be with the Lord. I have thank God many times for allowing me the privilege of experiencing Christmas to it's fullest meaning that year.