Gifting and Giving

Love is in the air 
Everywhere I look around 
Love is in the air 
Every sight and every sound

Love is in the air 
In the whisper of the trees 
Love is in the air 
In the thunder of the sea

And I don't know if I'm just dreaming 
Don't know if I feel sane 
But it's something that I must believe in 
And it's there when you call out my name

(John Paul Young)

Words escape me today. For the the spirit of giving yesterday touched me and when you have been handed an unexpected gift it takes your breath away (ok, go ahead.. insert lyrics here!) Maybe that is why countless songs have been written to try to express the unexplainable. Unfettered generosity. A true gift of heavenly proportions. 

When my husband came home last night he opened up his laptop and hit the play button. On the screen was a piece of music he had composed titled "Heather's Interlude" and the music.... Ahhh the music a rapturous violin and guitar duo that somehow felt like me, my heart. Not only was it a gift of tender love but I truly felt the gift of his passion, his creative soul.(especially when this is his busiest time of year filled to the brim with concerts, recitals, lessons,etc.)  I melted. 

And if I wasn't already in a puddle, I then began to read my emails for the day and found a message from one of my Etsy buyers who wrote an incredible letter thanking me for including a watercolor in the frame she purchased last week. She shared her story of giving her life in the service of nursing for the past 30 years and how she had to finally quit due to ongoing health problems and now disability keeping her from giving to others (her true heart). She mentioned that she noticed artists are generous people and is on a quest to fill her home with art and surround herself with inspiring creativity. Gasp! (Hands clasped over my heart). And to think that I was one of them! The simple act of giving a small watercolor, not only blessed her but she gave the gift back to me and it touched me so much that I know I must take my art, my creativity and my own giftings more seriously. And realize that the little things do reap great rewards. (even if we never know about them).

Simple gifts. Simple acts. 

How do you give and receive this time of year? 

p.s. dont you love these holiday packaging ideas... with National recycling day upon us I think these are some great ways to use what you have to present your presents.

images:  1. sea life style    2. la boheme blog   3. stacey winters 4. lolalina

Comments

[Krista]

Oh how lovely, Heather! I'm so glad you were able to cheer that woman's heart with your gift. :-) These wrappings are delightful! I just bought wrapping paper and can't wait to start bundling up my little gifts. :-)

[Ginny]

Uh. Maaaaa. Zing.
Amazing.
Robert is a precious, passionate heart dipped in gold.
To have a song written for you!? I can't think of a gift its equal.

And the "random acts of kindness" with the watercolor? And the story? Amazing.

[Stephanie Ryan]

Thanks for sharing both of your stories Heather. Wouldn't it be fun to send paintings to unsuspecting people with thank you notes on them. Thanks for being you, type messages. Hmmmmm.

[Penny Patten]

These wrappings are lovely, sweet and very creative! Thank You for sharing!

[Melissa Allam]

Reading this brought tears to my eyes Heather. I love hearing more of your voice and I try to take time when I can now to read your posts. Keep sharing your heart, it's beautiful!