Give, give, give. We all know this is the season for giving but for some, just hearing those words might make a person cringe, feel badly, or be anxious as there may not even be enough funds left to toss a few coins into the oft seen large red kettles. Maybe we could start thinking beyond our normal idea of material things when we consider the area of giving. I didn’t look up the actual definition of the word, but to “give” makes me think of relinquishing something I have within my ability or possession for the sole benefit of the receiver. With that in mind, there are endless possibilities for us to give. Beyond the obvious financial giving, we might think of giving our time, although during this busy season even that may be hard to come by. The really good news is that gift giving can come in many different forms…we can come bearing gifts in many other ways that would greatly benefit others. Gifts like kindness and thoughtfulness are priceless treasures. In one casual conversation, we can extend encouragement to another person simply with our words. We can offer someone patience who seems frazzled and harried even when we bear the brunt of their behavior. Helping someone even when it is inconvenient is really such a great blessing. We can give someone who looks forlorn a smile or a hug. We could hand out gift bags filled with forgiveness or grace or mercy to people who we might feel are undeserving of it. All of these little gift packages can be given over and over, they can be regifted, and they can be given to anyone at any time. Although there is most often some amount of sacrifice in true giving (especially when we don’t really “feel” like doing it), the bottom line is it won’t cost us a penny, but the rewards will be great and farther reaching than we will probably ever know. God intends for us all to be generous givers, in more ways than one. May we keep our eyes open to the opportunities ever before us and our hearts sensitive to what ways His Spirit may be leading us to “give”. So here’s to the season of giving, in ways we all can afford!
Peggy Lago 12/20/16