It’s Better to Give…
What if we focused on giving during the rest of the year?
I think I can truly say I love to give more than to receive. Don’t get me wrong. I love to get good “stuff.” And I’m not too hard to please. I like getting pretty simple things. Give me some white cotton socks or some new white kitchen towels and I’m happy. I was thrilled with the new camera Mark got me last year for Christmas. It’s not that I don’t appreciate receiving gifts. But I can honestly say I love giving gifts even more.
I always wish I had an unlimited budget (or at least a bigger budget!) when it comes to birthdays and holidays because I could really just keep picking out things to give the people that I love. But I’ve found that the most appreciated things we give each other are not always the most expensive. I think the most important part of the giving is trying to notice what it is that makes people happy, and those things are not always big or expensive.
As I sat in the post-Christmas hours, looking back at all the fun of watching my girls open gifts, it occurred to me that it would be fun to extend that spirit of giving into the rest of the year. During the months of November and December we put so much time into considering what our loved-ones would like to have. Why not try to keep that watchful eye out throughout the year. It doesn’t have to involve the spending that seems to come with Christmas, really. But what if we were so intent on listening for hints about what we could do for the people in our lives throughout the year? What if we had that desire to help the needy or “adopt a family” at times other than the holidays?
As we head into the New Years and the dreaded resolutions, maybe our minds should head toward keeping that desire to give at the forefront of our minds in January and February and beyond so that it would be more of a habit than a task by the time next Christmas rolls around. Wouldn’t our homes and communities be so much brighter? And wouldn’t it be great for our teens to see us focus on giving year-round? I might be much more likely to keep a resolution like that!
What do you do throughout the year to give back to your community?
I am with you Karen! I, too, love to give gifts and other goodies – and, at all times of the year! And it would be fun to not have financial boundaries as I too, adore shopping and coming up with special treats for those I care about. Even though certainly Christmas is the height of most “giving” efforts, I agree that giving of one’s time, energies, love and caring go the longest mile on any occasion thoughout the year. It is so amazing to see how a person’s day can be so brightened by the smallest, most sincere little gesture – something I try to practice all year long and I believe my children have been witness to my “behind the scene” ways and will hopefully incorporate this type of attention to detail as they become adults.
You’re so right, Paula. And we never know just how much that day-brightening might be needed by the recipient. Your kids have surely learned a lot about generosity and thoughtfulness from you.