Giving and Receiving

Each of us knows what it is to give or receive something.  We do it so often and hardly without notice.  We give out a compliment, a smile, a darting glance, a handshake and a “Hi, how are ya”.  In return, we receive a certain sense of goodwill and happiness knowing that we can share a variety of the simple things in life.

The gift of giving is in knowing you are such a person – one who anticipates the joy of pleasing another.  The gift is not truly a gift, but a special sense of pride, self-esteem, love and sense of caring.  As an example, I share with you these weekly blog posts and thoughts in hopes they will at least make part of your day a little more enjoyable.

A person who enjoys the true act of giving expects little, or nothing, in return.  The thought of pleasing you with a good column pleases me even more and that’s enough to receive in return.

Receiving a gift, however, is not always such a simple task.  Perhaps you once received a gift and felt expected to give something back in return.  Each Christmas does have its awkward "gift" moments. “Why thank you, you’re so nice”,  is a common reply to the receipt of a gift.  There are some gifts that can be given when little or nothing has to be said to express gratitude and thanks.  This is partly why some people like to be so giving.  To see a smile on a child’s face when he or she opens that big present under the Christmas tree is enough to warm anyone’s heart and soul.

We’re continuing the holiday season now by making preparations for another Christmas feast.  Holiday decorations have popped up around town, the Charity Newsies have sold their newspapers on street corners and Toys For Tots drives have been completed.  There will be a lot of giving and receiving going on the remainder of this month and into early January.

It is hoped that not only your generosity and thoughtfulness will be richly rewarded, but that indeed some of it will spread to others.  And for my part, I’ll keep writing through the holidays for you so that together we can share in a fulfilling and rewarding holiday season with just a little bit more of a smile.