Sweet Charity

This post is about being charitable. 

One definition is: Charity is the practice of being benevolent, giving and sharing.

As you can see, my daughter Melinda has received a gift of sharing in the form of a May Day basket.  Early this morning she delivered, on my front door step, a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers and a vase of posies, with sweet fragrances from her personal garden, along with a delightful book entitled "On the Morn of May Fest."

Melinda and I share the delightful tradition of "May Day" and enjoy the giving and sharing, which causes vibes of happiness. We are told by the wise ones, being charitable is a personal trait necessary and desirable to cultivate.  The question is, "Need it be a large offering?" The answer is,"NO!" However, it could be if one so desired.  Here is a list of charitable suggestions:

Join an aid organization

Donate to a charitable trust

Help with contributions

Share gifts

Make a donation

Offer help

Give assistance

The list could go on; however, the key to the feeling of happiness is giving freely with an honest heart and sincere love.

When I think of the act of charity, my mind reflects on a group of birds, yes, I said birds!  Truly they filled a need and gave a charitable service.

Let me share my story with you.

Before my mother’s death, she was bedridden for a period of time. She had a pleasant temperament about her and often expressed her desire to observe the lofty trees and lovely fragrant flowers situated outside her large bedroom window. Her bed was turned so the wish could be granted.

I spent many afternoon hours with her, and I also enjoyed the feeling of serenity provided at the window. Before long it became apparent a flock of small, gray birds would come to the window ledge each afternoon about three o’clock and perch themselves, as if they had a noble purpose, where Mother could watch them. The birds were constantly bobbing, chirping, and fluttering about for approximately twenty minutes. They acted as if they were a group of finicky, intellectual ladies discussing the affairs of the day. Mother enjoyed their visits and looked forward to their energetic entertainment.

One quiet, colorful October evening after the visit from her “feathered friends” she peacefully closed her eyes and left this world. The following day I was in her home and watched, once again, the birds as they came to her picturesque window ledge. However, the scene appeared different, the birds become very restless, chattered among themselves for a very brief time, then abruptly flew away. I became very curious and wanted to see if the birds would continue their visits. The following day at the appointed time I went to my mother’s home and waited in her bedroom, but the flock of compassionate birds, who gave comfort and brought joyful amusement to my mother did not return.

The birds designed mission of sweet charity had been completed; they never visited the window ledge again.

Yes, charity can come in many forms.

What story of charity do you have to tell?

Remember the Savior said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these...ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25: 40)

                                                 The Lord loves us and wants us to serve with gladness