I've been hearing a lot lately about the problems with the “supply chain.” From what I've heard, there's a lot of blame to go around for these problems. Seems to me there's plenty of blame to go around on a lot of issues. I reckon that's always the case, but I don't want to digress too far. The problems I've been hearing about have resulted in several shortages in stores. I have noticed there seems to be a good deal of space on a few of the shelves at the grocery store, but nothing that might cause me to push any panic buttons.
There have been some who have said that it would be good to do Christmas shopping early this year, because many popular toys and items may be scarce as the holiday approaches. I don't anticipate that being a major concern for me, for a very good reason.
Some of you may remember me telling this story, but I'll repeat myself for the sake of those who may not remember. Several years ago, I found myself in a rather large quandary. It was almost Christmas and I still had a number of people on my shopping list for whom I had not purchased anything. The more I looked around for that “perfect gift” to get someone who really had everything they needed, the more anxious I got. I found myself falling into the trap that many people fall into, I imagine. In all my “running around,” my Christmas spirit began to wane. That's when I finally stopped, took a figurative deep breath and really questioned myself about what all this really meant. I enjoyed giving gifts to the folks in my life, I just didn't enjoy shopping for those gifts (I won't even mention the disdain I have for wrapping gifts). I made the decision to take the money I would spend on those gifts and make a donation to a worthy charitable organization. I can't describe what a relief it was when I decided to do that. It literally felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. That first year, I made donations to several Samaritan's Purse projects. Now, I usually alternate between St. Jude Children's Hospital and Samaritan's Purse, both of which are very reputable charities that do very good work. I write a little message in a Christmas card informing my family member that I have made a donation in their honor. The response from my family has been positive.
I do have younger people in my family who will still get some sort of toy, but even some of those will be receiving gift cards from “Uncle Ricky.” Then there's the “Operation Christmas Child” shoebox that I fill each year. Which reminds me, I need to go ahead and get that done. That's always a lot of fun for me.
So, while some may be worrying about the supply chain, I will concentrate on stocking the shelves of the heart. Now, if I can just find a stuffed “Stitch” toy from “Lilo and Stitch” and that moose from the movie “Frozen.”
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