The Gifts of Giving..........

It's almost November...........

So far it hasn't felt much like "fall" here at the Wiseacre but the calendar tells me it's true...

Fall has always been my very favorite time of year.  There is something about the light.....the way the sun hangs in the sky, the lighting is magical...

There is also something about the aroma of fall.....maybe it's the leaves that have been left on the ground that create that scent I inhale with such enjoyment....

It fills my soul.......

I have begun baking holiday cookies already, started gathering ideas for the family Christmas cards and even wrapped a few Christmas gifts......I know...... my husbands word for it is "anal"...

I prefer to call it "organized".......

This year I am considering not sending out my usual plates of cookies I so enjoy creating...

It's a lot of baking and therefore a lot of extra expense I could use to conserve this year.....

And it's even more than that.....sometimes I don't really think it's very appreciated...

Do you have situations like that during the holidays?  Any family or friends that never call or send a thank you note as a small gesture of appreciation?

Maybe I'm just getting old and crotchety....Maybe I'm just a annoyed at my tight budget this year....

I need to focus on the real reason I make the effort to send gifts or cookies...

I do it so that the people in my life will know that they are on my heart and I appreciate them...

Not for any recognition at all, whatsoever .........

I relish in the whole process, my hands busy at work while I allow the fullness of those people in my heart while I make each cookie.....the joy and challenge of finding the most thoughtful gift for each special person in my life, no matter how small.....

The gifts really are mine....

the gift of memories and warmth as I think about these special people in my life.....

I am blessed beyond measure....

I will take more time to pray about these cookie plates and "extra" gift giving this year.  

Although it will extend us a bit more, perhaps just knowing they are out in the world in someone's 

stomach or in their arms is enough reason......

It's in the giving........

always.....

To love more than I am loved....

To give more than I am given...

To always do more than what is expected.....

To be the unexpected, 

the giver of small, surprising gestures....

to stretch myself in creative thoughtfulness.....

To leave hope, warmth and love.....

Always

In All Ways.....