TEEN TALK
by Alyssa Ruzicka
January 2004
This last Christmas was so great! The highlight of my Christmas was MY PRESENTS!!!! Oh! That's not what it's all about?? Not me?! Well, most everything is about me. Isn't it?! Hello! Wake up! I am so glad it is not! Whenever I start to get self-centered, and it happens often, I am not at peace. I don't have the joy and the energy that I usually do. Lately, this has become so clear to me.
Before Christmas Eve and during Christmas vacation, I found myself being concerned with myself and the things I wanted to do. Can you guys relate? I knew I was being self-centered, but I did not know how to get myself out of it. I was thankful for my life and what I had, but I guess I didn't feel all the way contented, I still wanted to think about how to better serve myself; not others.
The real highlight of my Christmas was on Christmas Eve morning, when our family, the Shear family, and a group of about thirty other people in association with the local pool men's group went to Coachella and gave away groceries and Christmas presents to people who needed them. It was such a blessing to be a part in blessing these people. It was so apparent that God had worked through us, and that we were a true blessing to these people. Each person hugged us and thanked us. I saw those people, who have hardly anything, with such joy and peace in their eyes. There was just the love of the Lord on some people; they were so blessed, and I was so blessed to serve. But what was also as amazing, was to see the way it affected the people who gave. They were so touched to be used in this way. I know it blessed them more than if they had received the items.
After Christmas Eve, I realized that I am so blessed to have food, to live in such a good house, and to be healthy. I should be content and not be thinking about myself all the time. It is so true that when we serve others, we get blessed ourselves. Lately, I have really been praying that the Lord would make me less concerned about myself, and more concerned about Him. I don't know how much of an adjustment it will be or how long it will take, but I'm walking down that path. I pray the Lord shows you how you can be used, I know you will be blessed!! Have a great year 2004!! ~~Alyssa
Acts 20:35~ In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for he himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”