Encouragement

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It took me a while to believe in these words or even come to entertain the thought that it is better to give then receive. Growing up all I wanted to do was receive and often did not feel liked or accepted unless someone was materially giving me something. It was not a value that was presented to me by my parents, but my own selective adoption of the thought of receiving.

It was not until I became a single mother that I came to truly appreciate the gift of receiving. I saw it as act of God when someone would often not just meet my needs,
but exceed my needs. As my life transitioned away from “need” and my life and financial status changed, I longed to know longer be the receiver but the giver. I wanted to give back, giving became my mission. Knowing that like those who helped me when I was need ease my cares and burdens, I wanted to know that I could lighten someone else’s load.

I started by purchasing things I longed to have and liked, and found myself giving the very things my heart desired away as gifts. In this process I learned discipline, I was able to part with the very things I thought I longed for. So, by giving I learned that my heart was actually receiving, receiving how to be a cheerful giver. Giving these things away and watching someone else find joy in receiving them made my heart and spirit dance. I became drawn to that feeling, and I have not stopped giving since that day.

Christmas is a time of year that we can all lavish in the giving spirit. Remembering how Jesus lavished in the giving spirit by sacrificing his life for us. It was not a decision he had to sleep on, it was a decision that an unselfish heart found natural to conclude. Giving is not choice that one should have to spiritually or mentally battle with, it should be as natural as breathing, but acted upon using wisdom.

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