When you can step out of your own story for a while and see the world through someone else’s eyes, when you can be open to the possibility that there are ways of experiencing life other than your own, I’m pretty sure you’ll be surprised and delighted by what you find. In this issue, we looked for different ways people give of themselves during the holidays, and we found some truly touching stories.
If you happen to belong to First United Methodist Church, you have probably been the recipient of Terre Ware’s traditional Christmas Eve gift to her congregation of the song, Mary, Did You Know? If you were present for it last year, our story on Home for the Holidays with Terre Ware will be especially meaningful to you. Terre’s story, while heartbreaking, is ultimately one of strength and the power that comes of sharing important moments with people we love, whether they are family, friends, or strangers. The gift of simply being there for someone, even when there is nothing you can say, is one of the greatest gifts of all.
Some of us more solitary people give in other ways. Peggy Moody writes about what she experienced when she found the courage to join Hill ‘N Hollow Quilting Association. It seems like a small thing, but for her, it took a degree of bravery. She surprised herself when she volunteered to share her talents, and the gifts she received in return were as warm as the wonderful quilts these generous women spread throughout the community.
Our Marvelous! Woman, Josée Schliemann, has been called an angel on earth for her generosity in sharing her financial wealth with our local university and hospital. Her gifts to the community will have a tremendous impact on women, babies, and students for many years to come. Hers is a quiet gift that changes lives in profound ways that she will never know the full measure of.
Those of you who are better at giving than receiving will appreciate the Marvelous! Voices essay written by Cindy Young. She learned very recently the valuable lesson that letting people help you is a gift that goes both ways. It can be as much a gift to the giver as to the receiver.
If your talents reside in the kitchen, you will love the recipes Estella Tullgren, and her guest cook, Joan Michalek, share with you in Bella’s Table. Take them as a hostess gift to your holiday parties, and you’ll be a hit.
I wish you love and peace this holiday season, full of the gifts that are most meaningful to you.
Deb Peterson
Publisher, Editor
p.s. Get ready to celebrate our Fifth Anniversary with the February/March 2016 issue! M! December 2015/January 2016
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