I was given a decoratively painted tile about twenty-five years ago that I keep in my kitchen. The counter is protected from hot pot bottoms by this trivet. The tile is missing the bracket that allowed me to hang it on the wall, has been chipped, broken and repaired with glue, but it remains in a place of honor having weathered several moves.
The last two lines of the poem “The Art of Living” are painted on the face of the tile. After all these years, I these words are meaningful to me as I consider the blessing of being able to share with others. I remember loathing occasions where I was expected to bring something to share because I always focused on my lack. This changed when I began to take an inventory of my resources.
24 HOURS IN A DAY
The gift of time is a most precious thing. 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. He was surprised with a super-hero costume, complete with a 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
My grandmother set a wonderful example for me by working several weeks each year to produce wonderful crocheted treasures as Christmas gifts for friends and family. She made good use of her time and materials without getting stressed or overwhelmed.
USE YOUR IMAGINATION
Creativity requires me to first be grateful for what I DO have and then ask myself how I might share it. 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 skills do you have? Can you get a small item and add to it? Do you know of off-season sale items that could be given later? Do you have surplus items that someone else might enjoy? It is possible to find everything from used tools to craft items that people are glad to give away.
TEACHING GENEROSITY
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. We might spend a couple of hours baking cookies while we enjoy trying to guess who will cross our paths that we might bless.
Part of the fun for our family is being able to surprise others with unexpected gifts; it’s a rewarding experience.
Following, I’ve included the whole poem. I haven’t been able to learn who wrote it.
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.
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