Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The Giving ME


Today was my sister's birthday. The one on the far right. She is old now. I am the one in the middle on my mom's lap- doesn't she looked thrilled? The sister on the far left is our oldest sister. This is when there were just the three of us girls. Now there are two more girls and two more boys, two sisters-in-law, 5 brothers-in-law, 11 nephews, 9 nieces, and a niece on the way. We could not have all fit in this bedroom for family prayers.

But, that is neither here nor there. I was telling you about my sister. And her birthday.

I spent the day at her house. We celebrated her birthday by working on MY camp stuff. I know. I am a giver. I wondered and wondered what I could give her for her birthday. And I came to the conclusion that the best gift I could give her would be the opportunity to serve ME.

And she went right along with it. SHE is also a giver. We gave to each other. Gave and Gave. And it was a birthday well-spent. I recommend this little "Serve ME" idea to anyone looking for the perfect gift for a loved one.

Seriously, they are so right when they say that you get more out of giving than receiving. Because, when I gave her the opportunity, I really feel like I was the one who got the most out of it. A lot.

I think she really liked this birthday gift. I could tell she loved calling her friend and asking to borrow a sewing machine. And then, when we ran out of supplies- I just knew she was totally excited about hopping in her car for a quick trip to the store for more of what we needed.

She didn't have to tell me that this was the best birthday present- EVER. I could see it in her face.

Let's face it, when you got it, you got it. And I do believe that I have a knack for giving.

8 comments:

Me (aka Danielle) said...

Thats it..that is what my birthdays have been missing..I am not giving enough. Silly me, I have been expecting, not giving! Duh!

marcy said...

Hey- I actually read your blog today and it was so FUNNY and very CLEVER!!!!! Anyways, once again, it was my birthday and we have a rule at our house that you can do whatever you want on your birthday, so what better way to celebrate MY special day with MY special people- doing something I love to do! It was fun! And- I so love that picture!!!!!

uniquelynat said...

the only thing that i don't like about that picture is that i am not in it, and therefore have no good excuse for having it....because i also love it (the picture). i always have.

that was a funny post!

Ruth P said...

My birthday is in October, I can't wait to see what I get! :)

Randibee said...

Speaking as the cutest oldest sister on the left--I would really LOVE to serve you in August for my birthday--so start thinking right now of what I can do for you...

Kellie said...

I'm totally stealing your idea.

Summer said...

You really do have a way with words!!!

Heidi said...

I'm a giver too so the day after you get back from camp i am bringing 5 people over to play...ok? Oh, I'll even help ya unpack:) Love that this bday was a reverse of years past when you would all decide what project to help the bday person with. Happy bday M and Congrats G on the upcoming baby girl!