Debi Pearl

BESTOWING FROM YOUR BOUNTY

Over two decades ago, someone gave me a painted tile for use in my kitchen. Hot containers of food rest on this trivet which protects the counter from burns. Though it’s been glued back together, chipped and lost the bracket for hanging, the tile remains in a place of honor, surviving several moves.

The painted tile is decorated with the last two lines from the poem “The Art of Living.” After all these years, I these words are meaningful to me as I consider the blessing of being able to share with others. I used to dread occasions when I might have to give because I was so focused on what I DIDN’T have. This changed when I began to take an inventory of my resources.

24 HOURS IN A DAY
Time is limited for all of us, making it a precious gift. Great wealth is not necessary for you to let someone know they are special. One of my boys still remembers a week from his childhood that he fell asleep hearing my used sewing machine grinding. By the end of the week, he had his own super hero outfit and cape. This past November, I was cleaning out a closet when I discovered he had saved that old mask and a shirt I had made for him long ago.

TALENTS
Several weeks each year were used by my grandmother to crochet special gifts to give to family members at Christmas. She didn’t get overwhelmed, rushed or overspend, but rather made good use of the time and materials she had on hand.

USE YOUR IMAGINATION
It’s nearly impossible for me to be creative if I’m not first grateful for all that I have. When my attitude is right, I’m then able to consider the possibilities. Paint and other decorations can give used and free items a second life. Children would thrill to have a chair with their name on it or a customized bike. Once you’ve trained yourself to spot creative opportunities, you’ll just need a little planning. What are your talents? Could you combine several small items to make one? Do you know of off-season sale items that could be given later? Do you have surplus items that someone else might enjoy? Craft items, sewing supplies and old tools are often available for the asking.

SHARING YOUR DELIGHT
It wasn’t enough for me to just give to my children, but I also wanted them to know the thrill of giving. A craft project may be too complicated for them to do alone, but they can help label, package and distribute the gifts. Sometimes, we just make things before we’ve decided who the recipient will be. Part of the fun might be trying to guess who will get the homemade cookies we’ve just spent a couple of hours baking.

Part of the fun for our family is being able to surprise others with unexpected gifts; it’s a rewarding experience.

I’ve located the entire poem and included it below. I don’t have the name of the author.

THE ART OF LIVING
To touch the cup with eager lips and taste, not drain it;
To woo and tempt and count a bliss, and not attain it;
To fondle and caress a joy, yet hold it lightly;
To watch the sunset in the west without regretting;
To hail its advent in the east, the night forgetting;
To smother care in happiness, and grief in laughter;
To hold the present close, not questioning the hereafter;
To have enough to share, to know the joy of giving;
To thrill with all the sweets of life -- that's living.