The Gift of Enough

By Peggy Weber

It's coming. Ads and emails proclaim that Black Friday will soon be here. 

It is the perfect time to buy the perfect gift at a bargain price.

They are slashing prices on electronic gizmos, big screen televisions and other stuff.

Now, I am not against shopping. And I love a good buy. And I love giving gifts. However, might I suggest a gift this year that does not require a coupon or standing in a line.

In addition to whatever you are going to buy and wrap this year, give "the gift of enough!"

Tell yourself and others that you are enough -- right now! share the message that you are enough -- just as you are today!

Send a note or make a call or do it in person. Tell a friend, family member, loved one or even acquaintance that you appreciate them. 

Praise them for being the beautiful person they are.

Let your children know you are so grateful for their sense of humor or generous ways or whatever makes them unique.

The other night I thanked my husband for having such a wonderful disposition as we ate bagels with peanut butter for supper. (Is that one step higher than cereal for dinner?) It had been a hectic day. 

Or, thank a friend for being a good listener. Or thank the friend for sharing their deepest feelings.

Tell the woman in church that you appreciate her welcoming smile. Tell the pastor or deacon that theie homily was good.

Or maybe, the next time you go to the store, thank the clerk for working hard and providing his or her services amid these tumultuous times. 

Recently, I spoke with the woman checking out my books at the library. I gushed, "I just love the library and I am so grateful for what you do." I added that when they provided book pickups when the building was closed that they were such a big help. I wanted her to know how grateful I was for her and what she does. 

And while you are spreading good cheer and joy to the world -- send some love your own way.

Literally look yourself in the mirror and say, "I am Enough."

Know that you are good right now. You don't have to wait until you lose ten pounds, pay off your credit card or learn a foreign language to feel good about yourself.

You are enough as you are. You are a child of God. You were created in God's image and likeness and God is love. 

So give yourself and others that message of love this season and always.

You are loved. You are enough. It is a great "gift."  

You can give other gifts too. Nothing says love like cookies and a kind note.