THURSDAY THOUGHTS - The Gift of Love

I just found the most wonderful thought: "You may give without loving, but you cannot love without giving."

There are many times in my life, as I am sure there have been in all of yours, that I wished I had the means to give more to great causes. I would love to be able to fly a friend home for the funeral of a loved one, or anonymously pay someone's hospital bill. Since our financial situation does not accommodate these desires, I have had to discover different ways to give.

It is comforting to note that even the poorest person has something to give to others if he has love in his heart. Love's gifts take different forms---a smile,an encouraging word, a note of thanks or "just being there" in tough times. Love is the one gift that always fits, is always appropriate and is always in fashion. There is no need to return it to a store for something else, no need to worry that someone won't appreciate it, and no need to be concerned about anything other than being totally sincere when we give it.

Perhaps that is why I like being a member of Sister Survivors. This is the type of giving that takes place within our circle. No one is a stranger and everyone has something unique to give. We learn, share, and grow together as we bear one another's burdens. I think that Heavenly Father smiles down on all of us as we give gifts of love to each other.

Kathy Christensen
Guest Blogger