Merry Christmas! Or, more accurately, Merry Day-After-Christmas!
Today's Quote: “Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.” Ruth Ann Schabacker
No matter what was on your list to either give or receive, surely
the birth of the Savior and his life is our greatest gift and joy.
I was asked to speak last Sunday on this very topic. As I
pondered on the definition of the word “gift“ ( something of
value that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation )
and his unnumbered gifts to me, I finally settled on several of
them to share in my talk: the gift of stories that teach, the gift
of his personal example, and the gift of his atonement. In
reviewing some of my favorite stories, I realized how many stories
that reveal God's glory and power involve waiting!
Throughout both the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon, how many generations waited and searched for the star and signs of his birth? In John Chapter 11, Mary and Martha called for their friend Jesus to come and heal their brother, yet waited for days before Jesus finally came. In Mark 6:45-52 the disciples fought the stormy sea in the middle of the night, waiting and praying for help.
Yes, countless stories and parables involve the element of time, suspense and waiting. Of what value is the extended waiting, the yearning, the seeming appearance of failure, the lack of tangible evidence for a desired and righteous outcome?
This week our family had a day of waiting for some medical evaluations. As I sat with my son, I had the General Conference report in my lap, and the TV on the wall. The words of the General Authorities and guidance for traveling the turbulent seas of mortality seemed of even more priceless value than ever as I watched a countless parade of unnecessary material goods being advertised, homes and rooms being glamorously made over, indulgent teens memorialized in ridiculously lavish Sweet 16 parties and foolish situations and people magnified in TV courtrooms.
We saw game shows where huge sums were awarded as prizes for trivial questions. The river of modern day media and worldliness turned for me, however, watching a complete condensed version of one season of TV's big hit: “The Biggest Loser.” The objective is to see who could lose the most weight in five months.
Interestingly, both teams were comprised of military wives whose husbands were serving overseas. The five months of the contest progressed without their husband's presence. Interestingly, each felt that they were honoring their husband and the military branch he served in. There was no 30-minute quick fix. Sacrifice, time and tears were plainly evident.
Within an hour, we watched the five months pass with all the drama, before-and-after photos, the gradual slimming and the continually tooted supposed incentive of the $50,000 prize. When all was said and done, the team with the single biggest loser (more than 60 pounds) lost the competition as the other team had collectively lost more weight.
How very strange, however, it was to see the host try and muster up enthusiasm for the money. As each contestant stood on the scale for the final weigh-in, it was clear that financial gain was the least important reward. Their faces sparkled and energy oozed from their newly trimmed bodies. Their families clapped and cheered with pride. The contestants reveled in the gift they had given themselves and their families. Seeming deprivation and sacrifice was forgotten in the thrill of each of their accomplishments.
An interview of the contestants several months later showed continuing dedication to new habits and earnest promises to continue. The waiting was over with their very evident and visible success, and well worth every sacrifice and every promise kept to both themselves, their team mates and family members.
What a gift, what a promise of the future! It was all worth waiting for.
I am currently inspired by a gift one of the members at MyWeightLossTeam.com gave herself for her November birthday. Instead of a day of indulgence, she gave herself the gift of a healthy day. She has kept off more than 60 pounds for several years and, though it is still a challenge, now treasures the long-term pleasures a healthy weight far more than the short-term pleasure of food in her mouth. Though tempted to with various treats at numerous times on her birthday, she passed them up with a visualization of how she wanted to feel at the end of the day. Her only indulgence was a couple of very special Belgian chocolates that had been given to her by foreign students living with their family, whom she did not want to offend or disappoint.
During the Christmas season, we have an opportunity to give ourselves a similar gift as we celebrate the birth of the Savior, he who mastered all things can help us master all things — even our physical appetites and procrastination. Almost more important than Christmas just past, however, is Christmas next year! We can decide right now and make a promise that Christmas 2008 will see us at a new health level and weight goal. We have a full year to keep this promise as we plan, decide, act and achieve. We can use gift certificates and Christmas cash to purchase fitness equipment or clothing that will make exercise more profitable and enjoyable.
Make this promise and mark your new calendars: Christmas Day, December 25, 2008, is exactly one year away, and we can make it worth waiting and working for.
With that thought, here's this week's song:
