True Giving: A Special Thanks
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On the Monday following Thanksgiving, our family received a Christmas card in the mail. “Wow, someone is ON the ball!” I thought. Then when it looked at the handwriting, I realized that someone was my sister, Sharon. Go figure. But this card was no ordinary card in the least way. It was very special, because I saw my sister’s writing, but with a logo inside the card from the National MPS Society. Hmmm…
If you know me personally, then you know that something I am most proud of is my family, meaning my parents, brothers and sisters. And this is a lot of be proud of! I have 8 siblings. This year they gave a gift that is more than blog-worthy. Like many large families, we typically exchange names at Christmas. It’s fun and we all enjoy it, but my youngest sister brought up a new idea this year. And my siblings all went for it, without even giving me all the details first!
The card reads:
Dear Family,
We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family. We have been given so much. God gave us wonderful parents that raised us with Christian values that are priceless. We would like to come together this Christmas by joining in giving to an organization that is part of our lives. If you would like, in place of exchanging family gifts, please send a donation to the National MPS Society in honor of our Taylor.
My family rocks! Not only are they giving in honor of Taylor, my sweet 14 yr. old girl who has MPS and has a life expectancy of 15 years, but they are also giving up their own desires. This is true giving.
I was taken to Acts 20:35 immediately. Giving is one thing; it’s not too hard to give at times. But giving in substitute of receiving- that is true giving. No expectation of personal returns.
Paul said: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ “
There was an acrostic at the bottom of the card. See if you can catch the depth of it:
Touching
A
Young
Life
Offers
Rewards
Special thanks to the Perrine Family; my dad, Donald; my brothers, Kevin, Chip, and Philip; and my sisters, Connie, Karen, Sharon, Sarah, and Martha. Much love to all of you this season as always!
Please give credit to Sharon. She did all the leg work.
Love ya Lea.
My bad. Just looked at the envelopes again and yes, it is Sharon’s writing and return address. But I know the two of you are often partners in crime. 😉 Much love, dear sister.
What a great post! I have never seen a full shot of your family! Great picture! Taylor is very special to us all!
The picture is a couple summers old, but it was the easiest one I could get to. 🙂 I love it.
Great family, great picture. Haven’t been on Facebook for weeks but I’m glad that this Sunday afternoon 12-12-10 I found my way here. I loved the Acrostic of Taylor. Rachel I love your blog or whatever you call your inspirational messages. It is appreciated and a wonderful way to fulfill your life’e purpose.
May each of you experience God’s Richest Blessings of Love this Christmas and throughout the years.
Love You!
Pauline
Thank you so much, Pauline!
Isn’t it amazing how Mom still works through each of us.
Yep. It is.
Hi sis,
I’m glad you were touched, however, couldn’t you have posted a better picture? Totally teasing. I think of you all often, and pray for Taylor everyday. It takes someone very special to care for a special needs child, and you truly are a special sister.
Love ya,
Hey, that pic wasn’t so great of me either!! Thanks for your prayers and much love to you.