Sharers are Carers

I feel so blessed because I have wonderful family, friends and neighbours. Lately we have all been doing a bit of swapping and sharing of food and other great things. I can't believe how much Heavenly Father is blessing my family through others. In turn I am trying to spread the good fortune to others. I am totally convinced that if we share things around we will all benefit far greater than if we kept things for ourselves.

For example last week my Sister got us a deal of 13 kilos of good bananas for $5. I took a bunch to my Mum who in return gave me sweet potatoes, lettuce and spinach from her garden. I gave bananas to my neighbour who the next day brought over a paw-paw from her tree, mandarins and colouring books for the kids. My other neighbour brings over Grug books for the children and asks to borrow cooking scales. So I give her the scales and a bunch of bananas. She returns the scales and shares some cookies she's made. And so it continues on like that. Our family has also been blessed with toys, clothes and money from other generous friends. Sharing really is caring and it enriches our relationships, and our pantry for that matter.

"Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others" - Willam Arthur Ward

The more I think about it, the bigger it gets.

Quote seen on the under side of a Brisbane city bridge:

The more I think about it
The bigger it gets.

Yesterday Hubby and I both saw the above quote painted on the under side of a bridge, and after a few seconds of pondering, we agreed this is true. I personally find it profound. I have since tried to apply different topics to this saying and have found it to be true. For example sometimes the more I dwell on the 'so-called' negatives in my life, the bigger they seem to get. In contrast the more I think about the real positives in my life, the more I think WOW - I am so blessed, grateful and happy!

I recently read an article in the June 2010 Ensign 'Your Mission in Life is Now' (PDF Version) alternate plain text version.

Author Jan Pinborough discusses how 'three principles can help us step into the future with greater confidence, energy, and faith.'

I especially like how she relates the story of the early saints (1831) who were commanded to stay in Kirtland, Ohio for a little season knowing they would soon go to another land but not knowing when or where.

'And the hour and the day is not given unto them, wherefore let them act upon this land as for years, and this shall turn unto them for their good” (D&C 51:16–17)

Jan explains- 'I like to picture those early Saints hearing the Lord’s instructions and getting right to work. They plowed fields they didn’t know they would harvest, planted trees whose fruit they might never eat, and built a beautiful temple they would ultimately have to leave. I picture them living busy, productive lives, not peering endlessly into the unknown, wondering where they would go next and when. They acted “as for years,” trusting that their work would not be in vain.'

How I relate to this, and the above quote? I realised that sometimes I may think too much of the future and forget to live in the day. The more I THINK or WORRY about how I am going to get to a certain point the BIGGER my worry may get.

Instead, I would like to THINK more of my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, so the BIGGER my faith gets.

I'd like to THINK more of the scriptures, so the BIGGER their value will be to me.

I'd like to THINK more of about doing good, so the BIGGER my good works will be.

I'd like to THINK more about sharing the message of Jesus Christ, so the BIGGER my missionary efforts will be.