The Art of Abundance

While in graduate school, I purchased a book entitled "The Art of Abundance". At the time, it was an odd purchase for me. I found it in the gift section and it looks like a book people give someone they don't know because- the book looks pretty. In graduate school, the only books I was buying were $100 or more text books and a movie was a special occasion because it "costs so much". So $15 on a gift book? I remember thinking at the time that it was an impulse buy, but something about it captivated me. I have never regretted the decision. It is a treasure and I still turn to now and then. It always lifts my soul and brings me peace, joy, and delight.
Today in testimony meeting, someone talked about being content with what you have and where you are in life. It reminded me of my abundance book. I was excited to come home and again, discover what was with in its pages. Most of the book is compilations of the completion of one sentence- "Abundance is...". There is a challenge at the end to write your own ending to this sentence. A challenge I have never taken... until today. It was so much fun! I couldn't believe how fast I filled up 3 pages. It felt like dipping into Mary Poppin's bag- endless possibilities. The list is long, I don't expect you to read it all. But, for my own personal record, I am writing my first list of "Abundance is..."

"Abundance is..."

• Cheerful geraniums greeting you at the front step
• Coworkers you consider your friends
• Successful day at work
• A person freed from pain because they took your advice- and it worked
• A red phone, a red comforter, and a red lamp
• Anya cooking in the kitchen
• Emily reading a book
• A Kristin sighting
• Everyone home at the same time
• Understanding something new
• Understanding something again
• Opening a new book for the first time
• Finishing a book with a sigh
• Sweat from honest work
• Wildflowers
• Hummingbirds outside my parent's house, feeding on my dad's feeder
• Warm sun and a gentle breeze
• Kisses from my nephew Jacob
• Slumber parties with my niece Jody
• Tim's musings
• David's puns
• Andrea researching
• Anginette's calming presence
• Mom creating
• Dad always anxiously wanting best for us children
• Dad winning a game
• Grandma Mac writing a new story
• Grandma P anxiously engaged
• A canopy of trees
• Gatherings around pianos to sing
• Conquering a fear
• Having enough
• Having enough to share
• Finding something you thought lost
• Watching people discover dancing
• An umbrella in the rain
• No umbrella in the rain
• A safe return after a hazardous journey
• Reunion of old friends
• Treasures from travels
• Unfulfilled dreams- meaning you still have something to hope, work, strive, and live for.
• Personal testimony
• Acts of service (especially secret acts)
• Fresh laundry
• Trails yet to be explored
• Being in the right place at the right time
• Making someone smile
• Fresh fruit and vegetables picked from the garden
• Finding "just what you needed"
• An answered prayer
• Stepping out the door with luggage
• Airplane ride - away
• Airplane ride- home
• A clean house
• Something baking in the oven
• Knowing you are loved
• Someone keeping their promise
• An unexpected ending/ pleasant surprises
• Flowers from Mr Darcy, Mr Thornton, or Mr Rochester
• Reading/ hearing inspiring words
• Not being cold
• Not being late
• Appreciating the gifts, talents, and strengths of others
• Walking into the temple
• Creating traditions
• Singing out loud in the car
• Sore muscles from a favorite physical activity
• Music that makes you want to dance
• Music that connects
• A sight, sound, or smell that takes you back...
• Writing down an anticipated event on the calender
• Additions to the family
• Feeling safe
• Realizing you've made a change for the better
• Knowing you are right where you belong

I would love to hear other's ending to "Abundance is..." Please feel free to share!