Candycane Hearts
As we realize that the joyous Christmas season is upon us, many of us are struggling with getting our trees up. We are fretting over decorations, finding perfect gifts and making holiday meals special for everyone. Many of us are thinking about the gifts that we are going to give to family and friends. Some of us are even focused on what gifts we hope to receive.
A few are trying to figure out what gifts they can re-gift and to whom. Rarely, some of us reflect on the reality that, there are people who can’t give gifts because they don’t have the money to buy them. Some of us even meander into the thought process that there are the people who don’t have money for food or shelter, let alone presents.
We need to be aware of the people who will be alone during this wondrous season. We should not forget that there are people who will cry themselves to sleep because of hurts that they experienced which were beyond their control or mistakes they made.
So what do we do? Do we ignore the needs of others in order to preserve our own picture perfect holiday? Is that really easier, or do we ultimately pay the price for doing so? Do we focus on all of the gifts and splendor that we can afford or can’t afford but will place on our credit cards?
Do we make our lists and check them off twice as we buy gifts for people who already have more than they could possibly need? Do we give a nominal gift to some cause, in order to clear our consciences because it is the Christmas season and a time to show generosity? Do we really epitomize kindness, if we must proclaim our generosity to the world?
In my opinion, we need to be honest with ourselves and ask why we are giving. Are we attempting to announce our big bigheartedness? Are we giving in order to be popular or respected or to assuage some guilt? I feel that giving should be done with no motive or agenda. We need to realize the fact that each of us is blessed. We need to understand that there will always be people who are better off or worse off than we are.
If we try with all of our hearts, to walk in the other person’s shoes, we might learn what it is like to really give without expecting anything in return. For it is far better to give than to receive and in giving, we do receive. (Thank you Mom, I love you! You taught me so very much about what is good!)
Photo by lancelonie
