A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER

You've all probably seen those crazy Lexus 'December To Remember' commercials where the beautiful car sits outside with the giant red bow on top, then the unsuspecting new owner is totally surprised when they walk outside. Well, several years ago, I had my very own December To Remember!

You see, my husband had been out of work for a long, long time and our car was on its last leg. I never knew when it was going to break down and leave me and my girls stranded on the side of the road. My Dodge Intrepid had been a really awesome car, but it had traveled over 220,000 miles and was just barely hanging on by a thread. So, I started praying for the Lord to provide us with a new car, any kind of car. Somehow. Some way.

On Christmas Day in 2004, my whole family gathered at my parents' house, just like we always do. We ate our Christmas dinner and then got settled in to start opening up our Christmas presents. As my dad began opening his gifts, my sister informed him that his gift from her family was still in their truck because it was too big to wrap. As we were finishing up with the presents, everyone stood up and headed outside to see my dad's final gift. I told my mom that I would just stay inside because it was so cold and I really wasn't feeling too well. My mom and sister insisted that I come outside with the rest of the family. So, I reluctantly followed along behind the rest of the crowd.

As we made our way out the back door, I noticed a car in the driveway that had not been there when we arrived earlier in the day. It sat there all shiny and bright with a great big red bow on top! I just stood there kind of dazed and confused. I thought we were out there to see some tools my dad was getting and instead it appeared that someone was about to be surprised with a new car! Wow, I thought, how awesome for them! Then, before I could put things together in my mind, my brother-in-law threw a set of keys at me and exclaimed, 'MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!' I just stood there in shock for a moment and then the tears started coming. I could not believe what I was hearing....OR seeing! Everyone was standing there, obviously in on the surprise, and smiling back at me. It was for me!!

It was not a Lexus but it was still a very beautiful car! My sister and her (now ex) husband, who was the body shop manager at a major car dealership at the time, had worked very hard to find a car that was in excellent working order to replace mine. This almost-brand-new rental car had been involved in a minor fender-bender and was brought to the dealership. Neither the insurance company nor the rental company wanted to pay to have it repaired, so my BIL was able to buy it at a fraction of what it would have cost on the lot. He and my sister paid to have it totally repaired and completely repainted. They also had new tires, brakes and everything else needed to make it 'brand new'. Finally, it was detailed, inside and out, and then delivered to my parents house on a truck so that it would stay completely clean and beautiful until I saw it! It looked and smelled just like a brand spankin' new car! And it never cost me a penny.

I have never been so surprised in all my life. It truly was MY 'Lexus Red Bow Moment' and such an amazing blessing from the Lord!!

What is the most surprising gift you've ever received? Tell me about it in the comments!

Also, Target and TwitterMoms want to hear about your most surprising, interesting, sentimental, or creative gift you've ever received. You could win a $100 Gift Card from Target! Head over to TwitterMoms and get the details!