Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Give~




When I was 18, I spent Christmas in California. I hadn't intended on being there for the Holidays, but we had car problems and weren't able to make it back home.  On Christmas morning I was surprised to see a gift for me under the tree.  It was from Josh, my friend's 8 year old little brother.  I was touched that he would consider me and worry that I wouldn't have any presents to open on Christmas morning.  I carefully pulled off the paper to reveal a well worn talking calculator.  Of course I was very grateful for his thoughtfulness. Later that day while visiting with his mother I discovered how surprised she was by the gift. I learned that the calculator was Josh's very favorite toy.  I was so touched that an 8 year old boy, who didn't really even know me, would give up something that was so special to him. 

Although that was may years ago, I think about that experience often. I wonder what gifts I am willing to give. Would I give up my favorite things for my family, my friends, my neighbors or a stranger?  Do I worry that what I have to offer may not be good enough? Josh wasn't worried about giving me a used toy and by doing so he taught me a beautiful lesson. Give what you have, do what you can. It's not about things, it's about showing someone that you are thinking about them, that you care about them and that they are not alone.  

During a recent choir practice, one of the ladies talked about the primary song, "Give", Said the Little Stream. Since then it has been popping into my head and I have been thinking about the words.  In the song the stream is in a hurry to get down the hill, and even though it is small, it helps everything around it grow as it passes by. Like the little stream, I am in a hurry. Life gets so out of control and it's easy  for me to get caught up in my own craziness. I am grateful that even on the busiest days if I remember to take the time to do something for someone else I have more time, my day runs more smoothly and I am HAPPY! When I was struggling with decisions as a teenager and getting depressed, my dad told me that I must not be serving enough. He was right. Giving was the answer, and it still is. When I get confused and sad, I know what I have to do. I need to serve. 

"Give", said the little stream as it hurried down the hill. "I'm small I know but wherever I go, the fields grow greener still." 

11 comments:

  1. What a great post! Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That was beautiful and really touched me! We try to live like this every day as well, but it can be easily forgotten! Thanks for the reminder and how fortunate you were to have Josh in your life!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I loved this. Thank you so much for telling us this story.

    I wonder where Josh is now.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've never really paid attention to what that song meant until now. Thanks. And the vinyl is adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great post I too really hadn't thought about the words to the song other than was I singing it right. Wonderful story made me cry. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful thoughts and beautifully written! Love the thought.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautifully written. It is so important to serve and get outside of yourself and your own problems. I've been blog hopping this mornig,and I honestly, dont' even know how I happened upon your blog. But I'm happy I did :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. A choir practice with "Give, Said the Little Stream"? I believe I may have been in that same choir practice. What a small world - I've been following your blog for a while and didn't know we might be near neighbors. Do you live in Utah, choir practice for General RS meeting?

    And, yes, that song has had me thinking for the past few weeks. I think we usually forget some of the simple lessons we were being taught when little. I usually just think that song (and many others) are just silly little primary songs. But I should learn to slow down and listen more, just like I need to slow down and "smell the roses" more. Thanks for reminding me of the simple lesson of giving.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I enjoyed reading this and shared the quote on facebook. =)

    ReplyDelete

It's such a pleasure to hear from you! Thank you for taking a moment to comment. If you have a question, please leave me your email address! Thanks a million!
~Andy