The Spirit of Giving

My wonderful children never cease to amaze me.  I'd like to share a story that brought tears to my eyes and maybe a little motherly pride to my heart. 

Last week the kids elementary school sent home a note asking parents to help their children raise some money to donate "Coins to a Cause", for needy children and families within the school.  I felt like this was a great opportunity to help the children give to those in need, so we sat down together to chat about it. 

Our kids get a monthly allowance that they split between tithing (10% to the Lord), savings, and spending.  The hope is that by doing allowance with them every month, they will learn as they grow how to manage their money.  So the kids have been saving up their cans of money for a little while now.  

As I sat there looking at their precious faces, explaining that I'd like them to think about donating to "Coins for a Cause" they were bright with eagerness to share.  Brian and I told the kids that whatever they chose to donate, we would double that amount.  Each child opened up their spending cans and dumped them on the table.  After counting for a while, Ian proclaimed, "Mom, I can give $10.86 and I'll still have $1.58 left over.  Is that okay mom?"  Before I knew it my eyes were blurred by tears and I hugged my little boy, who thought nothing of giving almost all he'd saved for himself to others.  He happily gave me the money, placed his remaining coins and dollar in his can, and smiled at me as he headed on his way.  

I turned to Kenya next and to my surprise, she'd done the same thing.  Handing me a wad of cash and coins, I saw her place only a few coins back in her can.  She smiled at me and said, "Mommy, this is for them.  They need it."  She wasn't worried about how much it was, only that she had given.  

Trey did the same.  

At the ages they are, I'm not sure if my kids really understand what the money they gave away represents, but they were unconcerned about that.  I don't know if they realized just how much they touched my heart and reminded me to give all I can to those in need around me.  

We did as we promised, Brian and I double their contribution.  Every day this week I've sent the kids to school with a little baggie of varying coins to put in the coin jar in the office. (Mon. = Pennies, Tues. = Nickels, Wed. = Dimes, Thurs. = Quarters, Fri. = Bills)  Each day they have been excited to take their baggie in to help fill the jar for the needy.  

I set out to help my children learn the meaning of "when ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me."  But I believe I'm the one who learned the lesson.  As children, they are far closer to the spirit of God than I am, and I feel very blessed to be taught by their glorious example.  

May the Spirit of Giving be with all this Christmas Season and through out the coming year.  There is always room to give, for when we do these things unto our brothers and sisters here on earth, we do it unto God our Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

D&C 103

Last night while reading my scriptures I came across a few scriptures that I felt really related to me.  I'd like to share my thoughts with you.

Verse 12:  "For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing."

Life can sometimes be a great struggle and a constant frustration, but I realized as I read this that we must go through those rough days to reach the bright light.  To learn and grow we must be tried.  If life were all roses and sunshine, would we push ourselves to expand our reach, to become an even better person than we were before?  And once we've struggle through, pushed past the difficulties, we are truly blessed.  God will never give us a trial that we cannot handle, I know this to be true.  It may seem like to much at the time, but that is when we need to get down on our knees and pray for guidence and help, for He is there to do both, and on occasion He will carry us through the darkness. 

Verses 27 &28:  "Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again. And whoso is not willing to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple."

I struggle with selfishness, I'll admit it.  Many times I am thinking, "Can't I just get a break?  I don't want to."  But this isn't how Christ behaved while upon this earth.  He spent ALL of His time in the service of others, teaching, loving and never thinking of Himself.  To find myself I must lay aside my person wants and give my life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Only then will I be able to find my life again. 

Verse 36:  "All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith."

I love this verse.  I love that if I'm diligent, faithful and have faith that I can gain victory.  It may not always be in the way that I am expecting or wanting, but it will be a victory.  Remember those three things, diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith, and anything is possible.