Guess what?!? In a couple of weeks I will
turn FORTY!
I am glad my birthday falls in
November, because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. As a little
girl I thought our big traditional family dinner was somehow related
to my birthday. When I went away to college, the holiday was my
chance to meet my father's side of the family. Nowadays I get to
spend Thanksgiving with some of my favorite people and share a good
meal. More than anything, I think I appreciate Thanksgiving because
it's the only holiday without an expectation of reward. No candy, no
cards, no gifts. Instead we have a day to reflect on our blessings,
and express gratitude for what we do have.
And I am grateful. I have a wonderful
family, good health, great friends. I have all my needs met, and most
of my wants. So, this year, in honor of both my birthday and my
favorite holiday, I am inviting my friends and family – both given
and chosen – to mark the occasion with me in a different kind of
way. Obviously I can't invite you all to my home for dinner (although
you are welcome at my table any time). Instead I am asking anyone who
feels like celebrating with me to please donate to an organization
called Heifer International. www.heifer.org
I've been donating to Heifer for years
because I believe in many of their ideals, especially:
- Individual empowerment, especially women
- Passing on the gift – acting locally, building community
- Environmentally sustainable development customized to the local environment, culture, and need
I'm not going to set a fundraising
goal. True, I'd love to say I donated an ark for my birthday. But
this is a celebration, not a campaign. (I think we're all sick of
campaigns!) However, I know a number of my peers hit 40 this year,
too, and I'm going to encourage anyone who beat me to it to chip in
Forty Bucks for Forty Years.
Regardless of what you donate, I do
want to say that I count my self truly blessed to have you in my
life. Thank you.
And here's a link to my gift registry:
https://secure1.heifer.org/webtexgiftregistry/index/registry/id/AVZYTWNQNOXJ/
https://secure1.heifer.org/webtexgiftregistry/index/registry/id/AVZYTWNQNOXJ/
What a fabulous idea!
ReplyDeleteMy husband's side of the family has done this at Christmas for several years, pitching in together to purchase a menagerie of animals. It's a great organization.