Day 4 I sent my dear friend, Amanda, an ecard for her birthday. It was actually quite a funny card: complete with a singing cupcake who ultimately burns the card up as he is serenading the Birthday girl. She told me it made her laugh and I know she needed that. As a new mom and not feeling well on her birthday, I didn't want to send her something sentimental (even though I do appreciate her friendship immensely). Laughter is really a wonderful medicine, so I was tickled when I found the card and my Evie laughed and asked for me to play it again. I also gladly gave a little more to our local Panera Cares restaurant when paying for our tasty lunch (Evie and I met our friend, Shelly, for lunch). I also enjoyed a lovely, much needed visit with my friend, Shelly. She is the one I helped on Day #2 with her blog. We haven't seen each other since the beginning of autumn. It was a visit full of gifts.
Day 5 was a bit more complicated. I teach piano and voice lessons on Saturday, so working from 8:30am until 4:30pm makes it a bit difficult to find opportunity to give. However, I was ill three Saturdays ago, and I still had pencils to pass to my students for Christmas. It was a simple gift, but I was also surprised at how grateful many of my students were to receive such an unimpressive (non-electronic) gift. I loved getting pencils as a kid, but I tend to wonder what children have come to expect in our "I WANT THAT TOY" society.
This brings me to a tangent that I'd like to address: We live in a society full of STUFF. I hope I get better at giving gifts that are not simply STUFF to say, "I gave a gift today." I am a firm believer in not buying clothing or THINGS just because they are things my family wants; rather making purchases based on need. It is a really difficult belief to employ with two very influential little ladybugs, but both girls help me donate toys, clothing, and other items throughout the year. In fact, when I was putting a puzzle in the attic for safekeeping (I'd like to think one day I'll have grandchildren who will relish in a few toys from the past) Evie said to me, "Mommy are you giving that to the poor children?" And I said, "Would you like to give this to someone less fortunate?" And she said, "Well...could we maybe save it for later? I REALLY like that puzzle even though it is for a baby." I was very proud of her. But I suppose even my 4 1/2 year old knows the drill: Is the item usable for us anymore? If not, is it something we want to save for later?
Day 6 is today. My family and I started our day by making broccoli cheddar soup for my Bible study today. We then picked up a tasty baguette at Panera Cares to accompany the soup, went to church, the ladybugs attended Sunday School, and I enjoyed discussing our last week of KONA WITH JONAH with my Bible study group. The study was supposed to end before Christmas (an Advent four-week study), but too many of us were unable to attend church on the 18th. I was very ill that day, and selfishly I was glad I could participate in the last discussion group. My gift today was taking the ladybugs to see Beauty and the Beast at at local children's theater. We have season tickets, and I had planned on taking them before Christmas. However, life got crazy. So I promised them yesterday I would take them today. I must be perfectly honest: I did not feel like going today. I was not in the mood. Not at all. But I wanted to give them the gift of the show, because I knew they would love it. And I was very happy to see both ladybugs smiling, clapping, and little Evie singing along.
When I got home I received a gift: Jim cleaned out our storage area in the basement AND he cleaned the dishwasher out. Neither of these are things I asked him to complete. Usually he takes the opportunity of us leaving the house as a chance to play his video games (or watching football). This was a sweet surprise and wonderful gift, especially on a day I wasn't going to be able to clean or organize. My heart and soul were touched by his generosity.
I have no idea what my next gift will be. However, I am certain I will have inspiration before tomorrow is over. I think the best gifts are those that are not prepared - spontaneous desires to give.
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