And what perfect timing. During a time of uncertainty and sometimes sadness, many of my days have been filled with cheer from those I love.
But I have to say the most wonderful finale, I have not posted about yet, simply because it is so incredible, that a blog post of gratitude doesn't seem to do it justice. However, I would be so ungrateful if I didn't publicly share it.
I am tearing up writing about it. THE two most important things in my life, my Family and my Faith and have filled my heart and humbled me with their offerings.
These envelopes are filled with money from my family and my church.
This is sacred money.
It is sacred to me because the people who gave it to me sacrificed for it, out of love for me, and love for our Savior.
My family is not rich. Every single one of my siblings, even my parents, struggle financially. Struggling to pay off student debt, to support large families, pay their mortgages... and yet, they found a way to sacrifice... for little me. And their generosity is humbling.
I don't like to take their money. I know they could have put it to use quickly in their own budgets. I also know that the Savior and our Heavenly Father are keenly aware of their generosity, and they will pay them back... better then I ever could. I take solace in this thought.
My ward did a sub-for-Santa event and supported needy families in the area. They had money left over. My relief society president prayed about who to give they money to. She said the spirit was very clear and the decision was very easy that the money needed to go to me.
She said that I should spend it on something nice for myself, besides bills. I couldn't believe, again, the amount and generosity. Thank you to an aware Heavenly Father, and in-tune Relief Society President and the kind sacrifices of my ward members.
Anyway, its humbling, humbling, humbling to be the receiver. Hard to be the receiver. In fact, I have never been so frugal in my life! That money went straight to the bank and is only being used on an absolute necessity basis. I don't want to ever take for granted the gift that has been given to me.
I want to share again, my gratitude this Christmas season and the most important gift, our Savior, Jesus Christ. The celebration of His birth once a year makes us all want to give more and find those in our life that are in need, and help them. I am in need this year, but who knows what the next season will bring and who will be in need in the future.
I can only hope that when the tables have turned, I would be as generous to others as my loved ones have been to me.
As I don't have many material gifts to give this Christmas season, I want to give my testimony, which has grown so much during this humbling time of my life. I know that our Heavenly Father sent His son, Jesus Christ to earth, to set a perfect example for us, teach us how to love, how to forgive and how to return to Him. He was a Man without a home, a humble Man, a Man without status, or a fascinating career. He lived His life in the poorest of circumstances, and yet, He is the greatest man to ever live.
I work every day to become better, to become more like Jesus Christ. I know that the full Gospel of Jesus Christ is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is His living church. Receiving daily guidance from our Savior himself. How blessed I am to have been born a part of it.
I hope and pray every day that I can represent this Gospel, and the light of my Savior in a way that is pleasing to my Heavenly Father.
Dearest Family and Ward Family-- God bless you! my heart is so full with love for your kindness and goodness to me.
Love, love, love to you all...
I'm so glad. I can think of no one who deserves it more. It is put to very good use. :)
ReplyDeleteI love you Sylinda! You are a ray of happiness! I miss seeing you.
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