The Giving Season

Introduction

In case you didn’t know, the word “holiday” comes from the Old English “hāligdæg,” which is a compound of hālig (“holy”) and dæg (“day”), or “holy day.” It originally referred to religious observances and days set apart for worship. How fitting it is to observe the final weeks of the year as “holy days”.

For as long as I can remember, the holiday season was my favorite time of year. As a child, I cherished every detail— the anticipation, the feasts, the lights, the music, the gift giving, everything. It was a season of childhood joy. I carried that love into adulthood, always looking forward to the magic of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

But everything changed on November 23, 2022. It was the day before Thanksgiving. That’s the day my son Joe took his life. A day that shattered my heart. A day that split my life in two—before and after. How can you ever forget a day like that? You don’t. It becomes part of you. It leaves a scar. It reshapes the way you view life, what matters, and what doesn’t. And it changes the holidays. Now, the season carries both light and shadow. The joy is still there—but so is the ache.

Yet even in grief, I can feel joy.  Neal A. Maxwell said it well: “The cavity which suffering carves into our souls will one day also be the receptacle of joy, how infinitely greater Jesus’ capacity for joy, when he said, after his resurrection, “Behold, my joy is full.” How very, very full, indeed, his joy must have been!” https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/neal-a-maxwell/small-moment/

In early October this year, as I looked ahead to the holidays, I wanted it to be filled with more gratitude than gloom and more giving than grieving. So I sat with my thoughts. I prayed. And the answer came: Jesus Christ and giving. He is the source of all light and joy, the giver of every good gift. And so, The Giving Season Project was born.

In honor of Christ’s 40-day fast before His mortal ministry, The Giving Season Project is a 40-day journey of remembrance, gratitude, and giving, beginning on November 22nd, ending on December 31st. If you’re willing to join me on this journey, here’s what you’ll need:

• 📓 A journal or notebook

• 🗒️ Sticky notes

• ✉️ Cards, stamps, and envelopes

• 📱 A phone

• ❤️ A willing and giving heart

Each day, you'll find

• A self-care idea for the holiday season

• A significant event that occurred in Church history

• A remembrance of someone who came before us who gave so much

• A scripture

• An idea of how to remember and honor our loved ones who now live in heaven

• A recognition of a gift we've been given

• A simple gift idea

More will be posted closer to November 22nd. 

Text me at 385-227-5118 or email mikebrower99@gmail.com if you want email reminders when new content is posted.