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This time of year is a time for gift giving and giving service…but that also means it is a time we must humble ourselves and allow others to give to us. I have found that to be difficult…and so I have prayed to God to forgive me of my pride, and be gracious in receiving acts of service. I have many times told my wife not to buy things for me this Christmas…money is tight and I don’t need anything…I’d rather save the money to give to the kids to make them happy. But she has reminded me that they want to give to me, and I shouldn’t deprive them of that…whether I need the gift or not…it helps build bonds when I let them give to me, whether I need it or not. This article touched me, and I wanted to share with this group:
http://www.mormontimes.com/article/18999/Learning-to-receive ” class=”bbcode_url”> http://www.mormontimes.com/article/18999/Learning-to-receive Quote:I’ve come to the conclusion that in life it is always much easier to give than to receive.
I believe this to be true also, and would much prefer to be on the giving end…why is that? It must be Pride, right?
I also was struck with this part of the article:
Quote:The interesting aspect about this scenario is that we had more people asking to help than those who requested some assistance. That’s the true spirit of Christmas right here in our neck of the woods.
That may not be true of all areas, but in many areas, I have heard a bishop state this is the case, as well as Fast Offerings have surplus because more people generously give than request to take.
Situations vary, but overall in general, it makes me feel more the Spirit of Christmas when I see church members trying to help…even if they don’t always get it right.
If any of you are being the receiving end of service this time of year, or feel your faith struggles bring the attention of leaders or the service of ward members or family members…please share how you have struggled to be on the receiving end and deal with it.
Merry Christmas and best wishes to all.
Being unemployed three times in the last 6 years has beaten the pride out of me when it comes to receiving. Our son who is on a mission is there because our former ward is supporting him fully – paying all the costs of his mission. The Bishop came to us, even though he knew we would be moving soon after he left, and said that multiple members had asked him if they could pay for our son’s mission. Technically, our son isn’t a member of that ward anymore – but they are supporting him, anyway.
A member of our current Bishopric handed my wife an envelope on Sunday saying simply, “I was told to give this to you.” It had a card (“Have yourself a merry little shopping spree.”) and a fairly significant amount of cash in it.
The thing is, we aren’t on church assistance – and haven’t been since we moved to this ward 18 months ago, but some people know how tight our finances are. It might have been easy in the past to argue or be offended somehow by the envelope, but that crap’s been kicked out of me. Now, I’m just touched and grateful for the gesture and the expression of love behind it. Very well put, again I find a common ground in your words. I to have a hard time recieving gifts, service etc. Your post is what I needed for this upcoming holiday season. Thank you F4h1
I appreciate your story Ray. Very honest. I have not received a penny from the church — at least not since the day I got home from my mission 20 some years ago.
I have been very fortunate in life, and have not got the crap kicked out of me – yet. Went through some lean periods in life, but have never been hungry or homeless. I don’t know if I could receive church or family assistance — way too much pride (and I mean that NOT in a good way).
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