Of what can I give.

~Of what can I give.~

This and some other times of the year we often ask of ourselves what we can give to others. We try many times to spend a lot to give gifts that have a large amount of value either to the world standard or that the receiver will value our gift. Most of the time we overlook the best of gifts that are so simple but some of the hardest to give. Simply put the most valuable gifts are the ones without a monetary value that can be placed upon them. I will list a few and outline what I see as the important part of them.

Gift of- Forgiveness.

One of the hardest to pull off on every level. One of the best ways to fix lives and families. Relationships with others can be some of the most important things we have. If there are things awry with people find a way to either, make things right or take steps to change the course of the conflict. This and many gifts like it cannot in no wise be valued as its value is of the heart. We often hope that conflicts, friction, and ill feelings go away on their own. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you”. Ephesians 4:32 “We made a list of all the persons we may have harmed and where possible without causing more harm to make amends”- step 8 of 12.

Gift of- Gratitude.

Not every situation we have in life is perfect and the best but we can find some part of it to be grateful for. So, we may not have the finest car, the biggest house, the perfect head of hair, or even the latest and greatest phone but we probably have at least three persons that love us. If you’re like any one you have struggles and things that trip us up with life. Yet what we have is often things that some in the world are praying for in one way or another. Thank others that serve us but most especially thank God for where we are and the good in our lives. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful”. -Colossians 3:15

Gift of- Repentance.

We all have things that hold us back for the best of life. Sometimes we hold on to things to the point of not just holding us back but our family and friends as well. Sometimes we are convinced that it is only our problem but fail to see the small print that effects those people in our live that we may love and respect. If there is something that maybe we have done or been a part of removing it from our backs can set us free to enjoy a closer bond with those around us. I think of it as a gift because of that freedom of mind and soul. “But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven”. - Moroni 6:8

Gift of- Acceptance.

Be accepting of those around us. We may not always agree with the way someone lives, feels, or believes but we can be accepting of them just the same. We can be nice about it also. We are however we look at it Children of a loving God that would very much be happy if we could find the things we have in common and use that common ground to be empathetic to others. Even when others have done things that may not be right with laws of the land or God we can still accept them as a daughter or son of God.  ” I think we should all be tolerant of each other and embrace each other’s' strengths and differences and uniqueness and beauty”. -Martina McBride

Gift of- Kindness

We can never tell what is happening with other people that we meet or associate with each day. Some are struggling with things in their life, some may well be struggling to like themselves, and they may well be dealing with stuff the best they know how. Give them the gift of understanding and kindness. “Be kind. Be grateful that God is kind.” -Jeffery R. Holland

Gift of- Service.

Doing things for others whether or not they could do it for themselves is a gift that changes both the giver and the recipient. Some of the greatest of leaders were great because they could lead but also served the people they were leading. What may seem to be small to the giver can mean the world to others. It may not always be convenient be those are the times that we can grow from the experience. "Service doesn't have to be big and grandiose to be meaningful and make a difference." -Cheryl A. Esplin “Generally speaking, the most miserable people I know are those obsessed with themselves; the happiest people I know are those who lose themselves in the service of others. By and large, I have come to see that if we complain about life, it is because we are thinking only of ourselves.” -Gordon B. Hinckley

Gift of- Time.

Time is the same for everyone and we are all given the same twenty-four hours in a day. Yes, we can get caught up in life and get busy. The short moments that we have when spent doing the simple but meaningful things with others like reading a book to a four-year-old, playing with a handful of small toys with a one year old or hiking with a group of teenagers. It is not the monetary value but the value of time that touches the heart. Give of your time! "Children will not remember you for the material things you provided, but for the feeling that you cherished them.” -Richard L. Evans

Give of the heart and be as Christ for he could have given to others all that money could buy but he gave instead the gift most valuable of his heart. Make Christmas and every day of our lives a Christ centered event. God is great and loves all of his children. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have ever lasting life.” John 3:16