This year I have had the precious opportunity to really
reflect over Christmas’ past and recall some of those special gifts I received.
I remember the metal doll house I received when a little girl, the Baby Alive
doll that would eat special food, and the Chrissy dolls my sister, Pam, and I
received that you could make her hair grow short or long. At the time, these
were very special and important gifts in my life.
Then I discovered the gift of giving. While my father was
stationed in Seoul, Korea in the mid-70’s, our family was extremely blessed by
joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and grew to love a
special children’s home then known as The Tender Apples. We could feel of their
genuine love even though they had little in the way of possessions. For two
years, my family chose to give part of our Christmas to them. I still remember
the excitement and expressions on their faces when they received our gifts.
What I remember most is the feeling I felt within my heart knowing that I was
truly helping others feel the gift of love.
In time, I began to have my own family and discovered a
different kind of joy. I loved seeing my children rush out Christmas morning (with
a little help from their father, aka “big” kid) to discover the gifts they
received. Do I love receiving gifts – Absolutely! But I have found over the
years, I welcome the true feeling of happiness I feel with giving. As my family
grew, we tried to instill the feeling of giving by participating in the 12 Days
of Christmas. We would pick a family that might not have much or needed a
little pick me up and secretly deliver gifts each night until Christmas. We
carried out this tradition for many years. We would also go caroling to nursing
homes or when we delivered treats.
As our family continued to grow, so did the families of our
siblings. It got to the point that exchanging gifts became more of a chore for
each of us and as extended family, we decided that we would pick an
organization and either provide gifts directly or donate money so others might
feel the spirit of giving. This opportunity also helped our family learn the
importance of giving and more importantly, teach us to love one another.
The years have passed; most of my children have left the
nest and are embarking on their own adventures or beginning their own traditions.
Sadly, I have realized those special feelings I once felt have eluded me with
age. I have asked myself why I have let the spirit of giving dissipate from my
life. I’m not really sure of the answer, but it has consumed my mind and heart
over the last few weeks and months.
I have truly felt the love of my Savior in recent weeks and
have witnessed many tender mercies in my own life. These blessings have brought
me closer to my Savior and allowed me to ponder the gift of the Savior. His
gift to each of us will always be unmatched. However, I have pondered much over
the thought of what’s my gift? What is my legacy that I leave to those I love
and those around me? Just as our Heavenly Father gave His Son out of love for
each of us, so the Savior, Jesus Christ, gave of himself that we might be
together forever one day. My gift is to live my life that it too brings joy,
laughter, hope, and unconditional love to those around me. My most precious
gift has been to be a mother. I am forever grateful for this gift as it has
taught me patience, sacrifice, giving, but most of all unconditional love. I
have experienced and endured many obstacles during my life and seen much
suffering, but the one constant through every trial, adventure, heartache, and
joy is the love I have for and received from my family. The gift I wish for my
family is Love - love for each other, love for others, love of life, love for differences,
and love of the Savior.
May each of us discover the gift of true love over the
coming year!
