The Gift

Today would have been my dad's 82nd birthday. Dad loved his birthday celebrations. It wasn't so much getting the gifts as having the company especially when the grandchildren arrived.

Yesterday, I couldn't think of a thing to write about and this title came to mind this afternoon at lunch time. How can we possibly honor our loved ones memories on these special days?

Obviously, we cannot send a card or purchase a gift for them, they are beyond that realm of need in their new world. But we can and should choose to make our loved ones smile. Or, we can pay it forward and make a perfect stranger's day by being pleasant and helpful.

In our daily lives, we have to come to a point that the storms that surround us simply do not matter. That is difficult to do because they enter your living room every day through the news, talk shows and other electronic means.

I am not talking about burying your head in the sand, but merely acknowledging that a Higher Power is in control. By living our faith and believing that each day is filled with possibilities.

In this world of "gimme" this and "gimme" that, we have forgotten that being a gift is more important than getting one.

So,how can we be a gift to others? There are so many ways to make a difference on someone's life. There are some who give generously with their check-books or time. They are usually the ones who raise their hands and volunteer for just about everything in churches, schools or organizations.

I think being a gift has a depth of personal growth that very few people understand. We do need those volunteers and their donations, but sometimes, we just need people who can make us smile.

This past year, there seems to be more days of storms instead of sunny days. Men's hearts are failing them. To those who have no core beliefs, this has completely made them lose their way. And those who only believe in governments have been bitterly disappointed.

Being a gift to me means that my words need to be chosen with care, that I do not become a curse to someone else. I want my life to reflect a generosity of spirit in my conversations and choices.

My husband David's father lived a pretty humble life with little money, lots of hard work and 8 kids. His gift to others was service to God and to his family & fellow man. His labors are reflected in the lives of his children and grandchildren 22 years after his death.

My Dad and Mom always made people feel welcome when they came to our house. People tended to stay the week-end to get away from their own busy lives. They always seemed to enjoy the "working" vacation that Dad offered them.

We have the choice of being a blessing or a curse. The person who chooses to be a blessing has made the determination that their actions effect everyone. They have come to the point in their lives where they realize that a rock thrown into a pool will always have a ripple effect.

I think that being a curse is a sad way to live. It means that people avoid eye contact if they happen to pass you on the street. Their lives are tangled with weeds of a noxious nature and their thorns draw blood for those who find themselves in close proximity.

A gift should always be freely given with love in your heart. No matter how it is wrapped, the surprise inside must bring a measure of joy and happiness to the recipient.

So just for today, I hope that everyone will lay aside their point of view and stop wounding each other with their words. Take the time to hug your loved ones and enjoy all the precious moments that you are able to share with them. Time marches on so quickly in this mad world that we live in.

Happy Birthday Dad! We are so grateful for the multitude of birthdays that we were able to celebrate with you. Your example of being a gift to others is now being carried on by the loved ones that you left behind.