Choir Notes

Thanks and Giving

From Music and the Spoken Word

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell • Program 4288

True gratitude manifests itself in how we choose to give to others. When we truly feel grateful, we feel a compelling desire to help other people. Perhaps that’s why "thanks” and "giving” so often go together.

At least it did for two neighbors of over 50 years. Joy and Dixie lived across the street from each other ever since they were both first married. They developed a deep friendship over the decades. When they were young, they acted as second mothers to each other’s children. They helped each other through life’s ups and downs. When they grew older, they looked after each other. They were grateful for each other.

Perhaps the sweetest demonstration of gratitude came in the last months of Joy’s life. Joy was dying of cancer and could do little more than lift her head to look out the window. Dixie, who had health concerns of her own and a terminally ill husband to care for, determined that she would plant a beautiful flower garden in her front yard. That way, every time Joy looked out her window, she could enjoy the beauty of those flowers.

Not until Joy passed away did Joy’s adult children discover that Dixie had stopped planting flowers in her backyard. She only planted flowers in her front yard, so Joy could see them. Dixie wanted Joy to know how grateful she was for her, how much she loved her. And so even though it was difficult to tend a flower garden in her advanced age, she gave her friend something beautiful to look at during the last days of her life.

What a selfless gift of gratitude!

These dear friends lived the truth that real gratitude inspires us to think and do for others. Indeed, life is so much more meaningful when we choose to live in thanks—and giving—daily.