Givers. {Growers}

There are so many different kinds of giving.

There’s the kind of giving that includes paper wrapping and bows.

There’s the kind of giving that includes monetary means or resources.

You can give a hoot or give a break.

Give goosebumps.

It can look like a push on a swing.

There’s even not so good kinds that include “gimme, gimme, gimme” that

probably all of us have heard from our children at one time or another.

Even some adults-the giving of airs.

But that’s not the kind of giving breath I’m talking about…

There’s the kind that heals wounds.

The kind that imparts wisdom.

The kind that bestows affection. compassion. or emotional support.

Friendship.

The kind that speaks of patience and understanding.

There’s the kind of giving that holds a hand, lends a shoulder, gives a hug, lends an ear,

…shares a moment.

There’s the kind that whispers softly or screams right out loud.

There’s the kind of giving that requires your time and energy.

There’s the kind of giving that is made of prayers and hope.

Then there’s the best kind of giving of all…

the kind that requires your heart.

Your soul.

I like that kind very much.

And the wonderful thing about giving?

Is it always comes back to you ten fold in some way, shape, or form…

It is the kind of giving that is given to the giver.

You follow?

I can tell you that for 110% certainty.

You give… you grow.

There’s one more amazing kind of giving that may not be as obvious…

The  kind of giving that happens with tragedy.

The kind that comes from someone not even knowing it.

The kind that is given to us through someone else’s trials or through our own…

The kind where someone in the depths of despair can bring goodness and miracles

to those around them.

The hard things that shall pass, but help us give, learn, inspire, grow…

and be for our good.

I believe that with my whole heart and being.

I wonder if Val even has a clue right now how much she is giving me… us.

Probably not at all.

See?… giving is good.

She’s giving us a perspective to hold our chickens a little tighter.

To be in every little moment… because someday you’ll realize those were the big moments, after all.

She’s giving us a better sense of community and a reminder to rally around each other.

Reminding us to say “I love you” a little more.

She’s reminding us to live better…

laugh a little more.

pray a little more.

Smile more.

Give more.

I can always give more…
Do more.

She’s reminding us that life is short and must not be taken for granted.

And that we can give back in so many ways.

If we turn our hearts to something bigger than ourselves at this time… you will feel it too.

We can give up our lives to save a life… but don’t give up.

Let it flow freely.

Because when you give, you grow… and so does the seed you’ve planted in another soul.

Because “it’s not about your scars… It’s all about your heart.” –Mindy Gledhill

It’s time to give.

Shine on, my friends,

Dana

p.s.  Denise of Matilda Jane Clothing is helping  Jami head this up… talk about givers!!!  The goodness never ends with these gals and I love them for it.  Bosom friends.  Good souls.

pee.pee.ess.  Did I tell you Mindy gledhill donated to the auction too?  She’s the perfect example of giving… as Val just talked about how important music is in her grieving process right now.

Nothing better than a tune for every one of life’s moments.

{Afterthought}  As I named this post “Giver”, it was, at first, very fitting to keep it simple.  But then as my thoughts poured onto the page, it turned into the intertwining of giving and how that makes us grow.  It was so fitting considering these women are givers and growers and into building strong friendships, surrounding themselves with good peops, and building a community.

The kind of thing where you have someone to count on… like Val.  So I decided to name it just that as inspired by my friends Jami and Cat.

FEBRUARY 28th… get ready for more goodness, giving, and growing.

Gonna be good.