3rd October 2004

We are in the middle of the school holidays.

I'm one of those mums who loves the holidays. We have the occasional day to sleep in and hang out in pyjamas til lunch time; spending time together and just not rushing to be at the next thing is a treat!

All of the regular, scheduled activities cease and we luxuriate in having no agenda. Some days, we'll feel energised and decide to do something—bowling, the zoo, rock wall climbing and the movies are perennial favourites. Then there are the friends we only see during holidays because term time is so busy. We have picnics and days out together.

One thing we will do this holidays is spend time getting our Operation Christmas Child boxes organised. We'll shop, pack and fill in the forms. It has become an annual event that is part of the rhythm of the Menzies Year. We do boxes for church and boxes for school. We'll visit several different shops and stalls and enjoy choosing all the little bits and pieces that go into making up a well-rounded gift—something to wear, something to play with, some kind of toiletry item, some stationery items and of course something to eat. We think about the child it will go to—whether its a boy or a girl—how old they are and what might be of value to them.

This month, as a church, we are focused on Operation World—Living as a World Christian. Two of our children are fortunate enough to have been on a missions trip outside of Australia and seen how poor children live—just the sort of children who will be blessed by receiving a shoebox. Filling the shoebox every years is a fresh reminder for them that not all children are as well off as they are. And for Amelia, who has not experienced this—to expand her world and her thinking about others. It gives us an opportunity to do a small thing that can make a big difference in a poor child's life. Let me encourage you to do the same.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Matt 25:40.

God bless you as you give.
Julianne