Happy New Year!
Quote of the Day: “The joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you.” John Greenleaf Whittier
Yesterday, my blog was still on the computer screen after I had finished writing in it. Alex sat at the computer and threatened to be a ghostwriter. Actually, I wonder what he would write as he pretended to be me? I’ve said this before in my blog, but writing it serves such a great purpose for me because my intent in to have my children know what my dreams and aspirations are. I want them to know of the things I feel passionate about and it’s not enough to just live your life and think that they will get it. You have to write it down for them or share it with them so they know, so they can see what drives you, what makes you tick. And here’s the kicker, even if you feel strongly about a core value, it doesn’t mean you’ll always be able to live it. All this other stuff in life gets in the way.
My daughter in law, Mary, is frequently the subject of my blog. I was thinking about how she lives this compassionate life. She was trained well- if you know her Mother and Father, it all makes perfect sense. Yesterday, when Nate, Mary and the girls arrived to share this amazing dinner, brought over by the Foss Family, another incredibly compassionate family, Mary came with get well cards made by Maggie and, yes, even 1 1/2 year old, Kate. So my home is adorned with a sweet message of healing from children. Last Spring, for 16 weeks, I lied on the couch during chemo looking above at a large drawing by Maggie that said: “Get well soon, Grandma Joanie”.
But here’s the message I want to share today. It’s really all about helping others or making the world easier for another. Now it’s my turn. So as I am making a list of goals today, I will know that all those other things that I want to have happen in 2012 pale next to my efforts to give back. I hope 2012 will be my turn to do the giving. I have been such a recipient. I never dreamt that people would be so giving but they were and they did, and here I am terribly touched and changed forever because of their goodness.
As I listened to the 4 Gospels in the Bible this Christmas season, I was struck by Christ’s example in every way of noticing another’s plight or helping another who was disparing. And so a new kitchen would be nice, financial independence, super, but it’s the little things that we do every day that really matter. Dr. Frank Crane said: “The golden rule is of no use whatsoever unless you realize that it is your move.”
Happy New Year! 2012 is the year I get that kid back from Guatemala! I can’t wait!
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