What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?  Or the best gift you’ve ever given? I remember how excited I was when I got a Barbie Beauty Center for Christmas. That’s how I’ve honed all my beauty secrets through the years. (ha) Now as an adult, many of my favorite gifts haven’t been things, but rather time and memorable experiences with the ones I love. The older I get, the truer this is.

For some people, giving gifts is one of their love languages. Thinking about the person’s hobbies, interests and wants might be my favorite part. I do remember going on an intensive and exhausting search for Muppet Babies one holiday season and I’ll never forget my son’s joyous reaction.

Gifts bring joy. Using our God-given gifts also brings purpose and meaning to our lives. Since retiring from teaching at OU two years ago and cutting back on consulting, I’ve spent time reflecting on how to best use my gifts. I’ve done some volunteering and pro bono consulting but have felt like something was missing. 

God has ways to show us how to share our gifts, often in unexpected and mysterious ways. In my case, I was trying to help one of my favorite nonprofits find a chief fundraiser and brand ambassador. The more I thought about what they needed, the more I saw myself in that role. I also believed Tim could help with communications and we could work together on a cause important to both of us and our family. I’m so excited to officially be part of The Virtue Center as they start a new chapter in a beautiful facility that I had the privilege of helping plan and raise money to build. 

We only hope that the work we do would be pleasing in the eyes of Rev. Richard Virtue (1921-2008), the legendary Norman Episcopal priest, who launched and led the Norman Alcohol Information Center from 1972 to 2002. The nonprofit was renamed The Virtue Center in 2017 to honor the amazing gifts he gave to our community for decades, and to reflect the expanded services that are bringing more help and hope. 

Today, mental health challenges and addiction are increasing and continue to plague our community. Two young adults we knew took their own lives last month, just as I was contemplating this opportunity. If I can contribute my gifts and help to save even one life, perhaps that will be the best gift I’ve ever given – or – received. 

To find out more about the important work being done, visit the website:

https://www.thevirtuecenter.org