Saturday, April 9, 2011

Spiritual Sunday. "Giving"

Thanks Charlotte and Ginger for once again hosting these awesome Spiritual Sundays 
 
"Bring me the two most precious things in the city," said God to one of His Angels; and the Angel brought Him the leaden heart and the dead bird.You have rightly chosen," said God, "for in my garden of Paradise this little bird shall sing for evermore, and in my city of gold the Happy Prince shall praise me." Oscar Wilde

When my girls were little I used to tell them the story - The Happy Prince by Oscar Wilde. They listened wide-eyed as I told them about the little swallow who stopped to rest at the foot of the statue of the Happy Prince. And how the Happy Prince convinced the little bird to take pieces of him - the diamonds, saphires, gold  that he was made of....and fly it to the townspeople who needed help.  

The swallow agreed the first time, then a  second, and so on....all the time telling the Prince he had to leave very soon to fly south before the cold set in. 

But the Prince kept asking the bird, to help  just one more person....until the prince had given all the pieces of himself to others who were hurting....so they could be free.  


The  more the swallow came to know the Prince's heart....and the needs of the people....the more he  he chose to be the messager for the happy prince. With each act of giving....the little bird knew...like the Happy Prince...he would stay....and give his life.

When I finished the story....my girls and I would cry. I think because that kind of love, that kind of sacrifice touched a cord in our hearts. 

 
Whatever I have....whatever I am....I want to give. For me....He is the Happy Prince who touched me....changed me...I want to be like that swallow....His messanger....giving my all so others can be free too. 
 
We are the ones who make a brighter day...so let's start giving....

25 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

I know of Oscar Wilde and his life, but have never heard of this story before. A good lesson for all of us.

From The Heart said...

This is so beautiful! Thank you for such a wonderful thought!
Bless you,
Shirley

Renee said...

Great video and post.I have not heard of this book before...looks like a good one for children and adults.

Anita Johnson said...

I love this story of the swallow!

Tracy said...

great post and the video is awesome!!!
thanks so much for well, just being you!

Wanda's Wings said...

Wonderful post.

Lisa notes... said...

You definitely ARE a giver, Sarah. Every time I read your blog you are giving to me. Blessings to you.

Charlotte said...

We all can be a blessing to others by being more giving. You have a good (giving) heart...it shows in your writing, and you are a blessing to others.

Loren said...

What a beautiful story.... I know it would be tears to me as well. Oh the Sacrifice the Lord gave for us....to love and give so unconditionally. Such a gift. Thank you Sarah, for sharing this today! Shows us A glimpse into your loving and kind heart ....

Love and Blessings to you my dear friend

no spring chicken said...

Me too.

Blessings, Debbie

Saleslady371 said...

Thank you for teaching us such a vital lesson of giving not only by example, but through your post today. Never heard of this book so I may have lost an opportunity with my girls, but I have a bookwoom granddaughter so I'll read it to her!

Donnie said...

Such a beautiful post Sarah. Have a blessed Sunday.

MTJ said...

Hi Sarah,

Very touching story of love and compassion. I love this closing statement:

"He is the Happy Prince who touched me....changed me...I want to be like that swallow....His messanger....giving my all so others can be free too."

Blessings and peace.

MTJ

Virginia said...

I cannot express what a blessing you are to everyone. You are truly a great soldier of God and know exactly what to say and when to say it.
God Bless you always....beautiful post.

RCUBEs said...

What a great story...and I love that you liken it with our Lord. That makes it even more precious not only for your daughters but for us, to be reminded of His love and grace. Blessings to you sister.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

OH~~~This book sounds so good,I'm sure I would cry as well. I think I might have to get it to read to my grandchildren.
God Bless,
Ginger

Andrea said...

Love you,
andrea

Nana Jul said...

You like the sparrow, spread His treasures to those who need His help, to those who sit in the dark, you shine His light that they too may share in His abundant LOVE.
That is a great story...KEEP on shining till all the WORLD can see!!
Love
Julie

Debbie said...

This is beautiful, Sarah. I can't believe that I've never heard of the story. I would like it to read to my next generation.

And just so you know, when I come here and read, especially in the posts where you give thanks, you DO share your treasures very much with me.

Cindy Adkins said...

Hi Sarah,
Oh, I love this post and the book sounds fantastic. I have to tell you that when I started to read the book by Joel, I thought of you! I thought, "This is your time!"

And oh how I love this song...When my daughter was little, they sang it for her graduation from elementary school--every time I hear it, I cry! lol

I hope you're having an amazing day.
Love,
Cindy

Pamela said...

What a beautiful story and post. I will be purchasing it for my grandchildren. Oh that I will be as giving.

Joyfully,
Pamela

Charlotte said...

I had never heard this story before. What a blessing for a child to hear this wonderful story, or an adult for that matter. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

This is such a beautiful post!

Doris

Annesphamily said...

what a blessing you are Saarh. You have taught your children well. Anne

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Well put sweetie!

I loved your post and the video was great. I've read the little story to my grandkiddos many times.

God bless and have an amazin' day sweetie!!! :o)