“Not what we give but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare.”
James Russell Lowell
Happy Monday!
The countdown is on! Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, all next week. I hope you’re rested and ready for the festivities!
I attended a gathering over the weekend and was asked to bring an unwrapped gift for a child. I love giving gifts and usually try to find just the right one. This time, buying a gift was easy because it was for a child, and I had many options. I was trying to decide between two different elementary-age toys and finally opted to get both. Hopefully, they’ll be on someone’s wish list.
The process made me think of gift-giving in general. We have such varied tastes, and finding something the receiver will appreciate that’s useful or will bring joy is fun. It’s easy for some, my girls, for example. They generally have specific things they save for me to get them at Christmas, albeit usually expensive. Lol! Others are tougher, like my friends, who generally have everything they need.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed finding unusual items that are one of a kind or specific to each person’s tastes. Once in a while, I give something entirely out of the ordinary, and those become new treasures. The reality is that I love the giving part because it brings me so much pleasure to see the people I care about delighted.
This quote from James Russell Lowell, an American diplomat, author, and poet who lived in the late 1800s, shares some thoughts that are akin to mine:
In those moments of giving, we share a spirit of kinship, love, and friendship that erases our troubles, if only for a little while. There’s acceptance and gratitude, and hearts are softened to receive kindness without hesitation. There’s also grace and humility in those moments when we can be present and attentive to one another. Some of my favorite gift-giving and receiving were times when there wasn’t a lot of money to spend, and we all got creative in making something fun or helpful to give each other.
Some version of the word gift appears in Scripture over 2,100 times. There are spiritual gifts, gifts of generosity, gifts for offering, and gifts of friendship. Following are a couple of examples:
“And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 (NKJV)
“But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31 (NKJV)
Maya Angelou noted, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” And Mother Teresa wrote, “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into the giving.” Both sentiments echo the unique nature found in the act of giving.
Perhaps you’re really strapped this year and don’t have money for gifts. I wonder if those who are important to you would be happy to spend quality time together. Maybe there’s a task you can complete. Or, maybe, in the spirit of giving, you offer your time to a volunteer effort. Sitting with older people or children and listening to their stories might be just what they need to feel cared for, and you’ll find a new brand of joy.
‘Tis the season, regardless of what holiday you celebrate, to give of ourselves and become emissaries of love and peace. For me, it’s Christmas and celebrating the blessings of faith. Whatever the reason, take advantage of the season’s spirit and embrace gift-giving in an inspiring way. You’ll be richer for your efforts!
Be Well & Be Blessed!
Lucinda
