A Season of Giving

Last year my good friend Candace gave me this inspirational stack of quotes in a hand painted birthday card. I pinned the card on my "special board," and placed the quotes in my top desk drawer. Each morning I open the drawer and pull out the top quote, read it, meditate on it, and then put it on the bottom of the stack. I have never shared these particular quotes on my blog, but this one just seemed appropriate this week, for a couple of reasons.

My stack of birthday quotes from my friend, Candace

The first is obvious, this is the "season of giving." But secondly, I received a call from my mother this morning telling me that if I was wondering what to get her and dad for Christmas (she knows I've been unusually behind this year...see this post :-), that she would be so pleased if we donated to St. Jude's in her name. St. Jude's Children's Hospital holds a special place in Mom's heart and she runs a campaign for them every Spring. Mom also knows that I've been working toward making giving to those in real need the center of our Christmas and enjoying more authentic pursuits within our family. Today when I dropped by her house, she gave me an angel for my angel tree. I think I'll put a little tag on it that says "I'm a St. Jude's Angel." I think this and today's little quote are affirmations :-).

I have to admit that I have struggled with making the transition from a deep seated Christmas Morning tradition. We all sit around with fresh hot cinnamon rolls, mimosas, coffee, or hot cocoa in snowman mugs while we open our gorgeous embroidered stockings.Then we take turns opening our beautifully gifts. It takes a couple of hours. Afterward we enjoy a beautifully prepared brunch and later on Mom, Dad, my brother and nephews join us for an equally beautiful dinner.

I shared last week, that this year we've decided to make our "in family" gift giving much more simple, more meaningful and as Christmas draws nearer, I am nervous. While I am confident we have raised compassionate and generous young people, I am still nervous. :-) Excited...fulfilled...but yes, nervous. Have a wonderful weekend. ~ Blessings, Janet