Many faith traditions share gifts at the end of the year – gifts that celebrate new beginnings, unexpected blessings, and hope for the future. As a Christian, I celebrate Jesus’ birth. The gifts we give one another are meant to celebrate the importance of the relationship you have with that person and the blessing they are in your life. Gifts can be silly, handmade, picked with care, experienced together, or offered across the miles. Or maybe all of the above.
The gifts I value above all else are the ones that illustrate that someone ‘gets me’ – that they know what is important to me, makes me smile, and fills me with joy. Many of us have all the STUFF we need – what we really want is to spend time with those we love and leave the world a better place.
Our world needs your gift this year. Silly squirrels, prairie flowers, and clean flowing rivers are the things that bring joy to our lives and the earth. Since I can’t wrap that up and send it to Creation, I’m sending my gift to Iowa IPL instead. I know that my gift will create new programs, be a blessing, and offer hope for the future of our planet. That isn’t silly – it is a source of joy for a better tomorrow we can experience together.
Faithfully,
Rev. Heather Wachendorf, Iowa IPL