When I was
a child my mom told me the following story: “Once there lived a woman, Bella,
who was despised because of her physical beauty and her troubled past. On the day of Bella’s birthday her neighbor
asked her servants to take Bella a silver platter full of cow manure as a gift-
hoping to express that though Bella had refined her ways- she was still seen as
the town’s harlot. When Bella received the
tray- she asked her maid to wash the tray clean and fill it with persimmons (which
were considered the very finest fruit) and to add a note: “everyone gives
of what they have.” As I celebrated my
birthday this weekend I recalled this story and found solace. You see one can never be disappointed in
people’s behavior if we perceive life by this moral, “everyone gives of what
they have.” People will give according
to their supply and am not referring to material gifts. In the past, I have shared that the best way to show
me you love me is by spending time with me- and this weekend my BESTEST friends
gave a great deal of their time- we ate, we drank (in moderation of course), we
chatted and we danced. In addition, they
showered me with material gifts and happy wishes that flooded my phone all day
long yesterday. They have so much to
give and this weekend I was the luckiest recipient (smile).
On my
actual birthday, I spent half of my day with my RCIA group and again they
showered me with las mañanitas, cake, flowers and vowed to pray (as a gift to me) so that God
will send me my husband soon (smile)- I have a full army interceding for me
now! Then during Mass we celebrated a ritual of “welcome" for the RCIA candidates and catechumens in a beautiful communal service. After the service – the smiles of my students
were such a blessing and gift from God.
Later that
night I headed out to dinner with my family.
Between yummy food, drinks, gifts and cake my day came to an end.
Everyone that loves me reached out and they gave according to their
supply of love – and while some sent me only a birthday text, a call or a Facebook
comment I rejoiced valuing the fact that whether the gift was a small birthday
wish or an elaborate demonstration of love, God surpassed my expectations. To be sad over what I did not receive would
be a sin- because my life is full of love thanks to all my loved ones who choose
to love me unconditionally every day- regardless of my shortcomings. The people who choose to be in my life and to give of themselves really make my life such a pleasure. Thanks for giving me you and cheers to another closing of a year and the
hopeful beginnings of a new one, Amen!
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