because I have been given much...

It's that time of the year! When I reflect more on the good things in my life. When I count my blessings. When I think of kindnesses given and received. I live a rich and abundant life. Mind you... it's my perception, and mine only. What is abundant to one person may not be to another. I have always lived an abundant life. Why? I'll tell you why.

It started at home. The home I grew up in. We did not have a lot of money. Dad worked for the State Fish and Game Department. Even though it required a Master's degree, it still was not enough to give a growing family of six children the extra things that every parent desires for their children. Dad supplemented his income by investing in rental properties and conjured up ideas and other creative ways to make money. He loved to work and he taught his family to work. We worked together. Dad always saw an opportunity to make something from nothing. He was a bartering man. A saddle for a piano; cement driveway for a cow. He had a positive attitude about life. I never heard him complain about anything. We had a good life. It's true! What you see and hear as a child, from your parents, follow you through life. I thought we had everything. We were rich. I didn't see it any different. How thankful I am for that! The outcome could have been much different had my parents complained, didn't work hard to improve their circumstances, felt picked on, or expressed their financial situation in a negative way. Oh... I can't tell you enough how very blessed I feel because of my parents wisdom.  We had a roof over our heads, clothes to wear, food to eat. We enjoyed all the opportunities of exploring and developing talents... like piano lessons, dance lessons, baton lessons, swim lessons, gymnastics, scouting, sports, band and choir. 

But there was more... much more! Through out the year, our parents found ways of helping others. They provided acts of service to the needy, the elderly, the sick, and lonely. As active members of the LDS faith, giving and receiving service is a way of life. Following our perfect example... Jesus Christ. I remember on many occasions where someone was invited to come to dinner. Foreign exchange students were invited to participate in holiday festivities. Christmas was always a time to share our abundance with those in need. Deliveries of home-made bread and jam, boxes of oranges, quilts, and other comforts and necessities were often done in secret. A tradition, The Twelve days of Christmas, was always a favorite service project. Delivering gifts and treats, in secret, for twelve days was the highlight of the holiday season. It was the feeling, the thankfulness, the joy of giving and serving others that brought the spirit of Christmas into our hearts and home. Our parents involved us children in every aspect of service. They gave us one of the greatest gifts they could have ever given us... the gift of serving. 

As young parents in the early 1980's, providing service was important to my husband and I. We carried on the Twelve Days of Christmas tradition with our three young daughters. We wanted them to feel the same joy that service brings. After Christmas, we were pleasantly surprised to see a card hanging on the bulletin board.

There were circumstances in life that had me on the receiving end, as well. After a long and painful divorce and moving to a new place to start school, five children in tow, it was evident to some thoughtful neighbors and members of the church, that we could use a bit of help. Although I did not see it exactly that way at the time.  At first it was hard to accept the help, but through love, patience, and passage of time, it became a blessing in our lives. I appreciated the help when help was offered... a generous and abundant gift of selflessness. 

I was always one who would never admit to having things "hard". I always had enough! I was blessed. It must have come from home. The positive attitude, you can do anything you want to mind set. Yes, it was a struggle at times, but I was much better off than most! I didn't think myself as needing help. I bought a small home, we had sufficient food on the table, clothes to wear, transportation, and I was going back to college. My children didn't see that we didn't have enough at times. We made due with what we had. And we shared our abundance when we could, as little as it was. Most importantly, we were happy!

Since then, I have been able to give more again. It's a good feeling. For Christmas, instead of exchanging gifts in the family, we take turns heading up a service project. What money or temporal means we would have spent on each other, go into providing a service to someone in need. The grandchildren are now recipients of feeling the joy that service brings!

One of the choicest experiences we have had during this time of year... sharing our faith and traditions with an intern and his wife, from Ghana. And them sharing with us. It provided a rich experience of exchanging beliefs, culture, and traditions with each other. An abundance of the Christ(mas) spirit was felt among us.

Last year, at this time, I was standing in line at the grocery store. When I went to check out, to my surprise, I found out my groceries were paid for! A lady, three ahead of me, had left some money with the checker to pay for the next few customers in line... as far as it would go. I felt gratitude in my heart for a thoughtful and kind gesture provided by a stranger.

In all my circumstances of life, some better than others, I have always felt like I had an abundant life. Whether in giving or receiving. We can feel joy in service whether we are on the giving or the receiving end. Our church broadcasts a Christmas Devotional every year. The First Presidency talked on this very thing... so inspirational! To listen to the talks and the Tabernacle Choir sing, click here lds.org.

I also came upon a blog (via Pinterest) that has some great and fun ideas for service. Click here http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-summary/

Losing your parents can change you. They are in my thoughts continually. I miss them. I love them. I am grateful for their examples. They showed me the way by living as Christ did. I am much more reflective than I used to be. My taste in music has even changed. I still like the music of my day, some country, and some soft rock. And I love this time of year because Christmas music fills the air. But most of all, I love inspirational music. It is so uplifting. When I first read the prompt from Mama Kat's on choosing a favorite song and turning it into the title of my post, I went with the very first song that popped into my mind... 

Because I Have Been Given Much

Because I have been given much, I too must give;

Because of they great bounty, Lord, each day I live

I shall divide my gifts from thee With ev'ry brother that I see

Who has the need of help from me.

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,

I can not see another's lack and I not share

My glowing fire, my loaf of bread, My roof's safe shelter over head,

That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by they great love, dear Lord,

I'll share thy love again, according to thy word.

I shall give love to those in need; I'll show that love by word and deed;

Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

(text; Grace Noll Crowell, 1877-1969, music; Phillip Landgrave, b. 1935)

What are some ways that you have given or received service? 

prompt #5: Take a line from a song you love and turn it into a title of your next blog post. Let the content follow.