The Law of Tithing

Most of the principles and commandments as found in the scriptures do not involve numbers. It is often more about quality than quantity. Examples include love for God, love for fellowmen, keeping the Sabbath day holy, honoring your father and your mother, and even "be ye therefore perfect." ( Matt. 5:48) Being perfect in living these principles is difficult, but of course it is possible with God's help.

One of the commandments taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the law of tithing. I believe in donating ten percent of my income to the Church, and that money is then used to support the construction of church buildings, as well as other worthwhile causes such as family history and education. I am grateful for the law of tithing. Because there is a number involved (10% of income), it is one of the few commandments that I can easily live perfectly right now. Whenever I have lived this commandment, I have also enjoyed the blessings: "...prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." (Malachi 3:10) I have always had enough resources to provide for my needs, and I have been blessed in many other small ways as I continue to seek God's will.

I am aware that not everyone who may read this blog believes exactly as I do, and that's okay. My point is that in my many efforts to live according to correct principles as I understand them, it is easy for me to recognize where I fall short. Yet, poor as I am in resources and in spirit, I am encouraged by the fact that I can live at least one of God's commandments with perfect exactness right now.

Our Town

I've seen Our Town, a play by Thornton Wilder, three times in my life. I was Joe Stoddard when my high school put it on about seven years ago, and at about that time I also watched a film adaptation of the play. The third time was tonight, and interestingly this performance used stage and film together almost seamlessly to tell the story and to convey the ideas. This is one of my favorite plays. I love what Wilder did with his minimalist approach and his use of "breaking the fourth wall" (When characters on stage address the audience). I love how real it is in dealing with daily life, with love and marriage, and with death. This play makes me legitimately laugh and truly think. It truly is a treasure of American theater. I am grateful for Thornton Wilder's Our Town. I am very grateful I was able to see it again tonight. I feel like it's been too long since the last time I've seen it.

A Funeral

About five years ago, I went with my mother to the funeral of her grandmother. I knew I would see my extended family there, my aunts and uncles as well as my grandparents. But before that day I had never seriously thought about even more extended family that I had. My great-grandmother who had passed away had three children, one of whom was my grandmother. At the funeral I saw the other two siblings and their families. Most of these relatives I met for the first time on that day. On that day I realized my family was much bigger than I had ever before imagined. My perspective on the family organization changed dramatically after that lovely funeral service.

Since that day I have seen these extended family members several times in reunions and events, including an art exhibit open house I attended tonight. Whenever I see these relatives and talk with them, I am reminded that I am part of a tremendous family unit made up of many smaller families. I appreciate my relatives and I cherish the opportunities I have to be with them.

I am grateful for my great-grandmother's funeral because that event led to many wonderful family associations that I didn't enjoy before. I'm sure my great-grandmother wouldn't have it any other way because the moment she passed from this life was a reflection of what mattered most to her: she lay on her bed at home, surrounded by her family.

Bollywood Films

I'm doing research for a paper this week, and my research includes watching Bollywood movies (Hindi films, made in India). Recently, I have come to appreciate and enjoy Bollywood movies. There is so much color and movement and music involved with these films! They are fun to watch and listen to. So far, I have only seen three films all the way through: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. I am grateful for Bollywood films. To me they are genuinely entertaining and they provide an exciting view into a great culture.

The Trees Look Like Christmas

A few nights ago, strings of lights were wrapped around several trees on campus. Now when I walk from a certain entrance of the campus library to the main square outside, I get a beautiful view of the trees. I am grateful for trees at Christmas time. They are covered with color and light, and it is gorgeous!

Free Doughnuts, Anyone?

I am grateful for the free doughnuts given as part of an event in the student center this evening. I am also grateful that I was able to take several of the leftovers with me and give them to fellow students on my way back to my apartment. :)

Lint Screen

I am grateful for the lint screens you find in dryers. I hear people call them lint traps and lint trays. Whatever you call them, I'm grateful for them. I truly find some satisfaction from peeling a thick layer of lint off of the screen. If it's a thin layer, I feel disappointed. Isn't that odd? I guess it's the way it feels in my fingers and the way I can just carefully remove the fragile layer of lint. Apart from the part where I get warm, clean clothes at the end, this is my favorite part of doing laundry.