Give Love

I just read this wonderful thought that was written by Rebecca Hintze, who is my neighbor, Martha's sister. Together, they started a group called Pretty Sisters, which is "an uplifting and inclusive community for women of all ages and kind; friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances." Rebecca's column is called "Weekly Words of Wisdom." It's e-mailed to anyone who would like some great inspiration on life and relationships once a week. I love it.

I'm going to share this with all the children at church next week because we will be summing up this year's theme, "I am a Child of God." I think this is perfect.

During this time of year, the popular Christmas show, It's A Wonderful Life, airs regularly on television, reminding viewers of the far-reaching effects of one person's life. In the movie, a depressed man (played by actor Jimmy Stewart) believes his life is worthless. He wishes to die, and to his surprise, an angel gives him his wish come true in a dream where he sees what the world would be like if he'd never been born. Marvelously, Stewart realizes the influential impact of his seemingly ordinary life. Like Stewart's character in the movie, it's easy for many of us to forget the impact our life has on the whole.We are valuable, important people-each and every one of us!

Author Marianne Williamson reminds us of our glory and our fears surrounding ourselves in her famously quoted book, A Return to Love:"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."It has been said that when we lift ourselves, we lift a great many others at the same time. Though we all make mistakes, as we are busily engaged shining our light, our world changes.
I love these simple words from another popular show, The Sound of Music:"A bell is no bell 'til you ring it, A song is no song 'til you sing it,And love in your heart wasn't put there to stay-Love isn't love 'til you give it away."When we feel down and blue like Jimmy Stewart's character, it helps to let go of our fears and remember the love we've given away throughout the years and how that love has affected others. In the process, we find that our life has value and beauty.

For this week's homework, imagine you are Jimmy Stewart's character-shown by angels the value and impact of your life. Let yourself see the good you've contributed. Then, spend your week giving love away. As you do so, the impact of your life will continue to expand and you will find that It's a Wonderful Life!

I love how it says "there's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that others won't feel insecure around you." I tend to hold back a lot just because of my shy, conservative nature. I know of a few people who radiate joy and positivity to everyone they come in contact with. The influence they have is hard to miss. So my main goal for this new year is to give love freely, without reserve.