What's My Gift?

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!