What Gifts Are You Going To Give?

As I was growing up my parents always told me and my four brothers “it is better to give than to receive.” At no time in my life was it more difficult for me to understand and put into practice than as a young boy at Christmas time. Christmas was about me!  I was busy putting my list together of all the things I wanted and not really thinking of others. As Christmas drew near I would get so excited with anticipation that I couldn’t sleep. The excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning could not be matched. Every year I got many of the things on “my list" but for some reason I was not fulfilled. Believe it or not, part of the problem was I was focused on what I did not get (I know you would never do that). However, the real problem was I was not focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

The true meaning of Christmas or other religious holidays is not about what you receive but what you give to others. I don’t know how old I was when I came to this realization but I know it has had a profound impact on my life. It is a lesson that I need to continue to remind myself of on a regular basis. It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness and commercialization of the holiday season that we actually forget what we are celebrating. We rush. We lose our patience. Our focus is lost. Another holiday season is over before it begins and we anxiously await December 26th so we can return the gifts we don’t want and take advantage of the many bargains.

This holiday season I challenge you to give the gifts that are not returnable. Gifts that cost nothing but are priceless to those who receive them. Gifts that continue to give all year round.

So, the question to answer is “What Gifts Are You Going to Give This Holiday Season?"

• Will you give more of your time to your family, friends and community?

• Will you share a smile and make a difference in somebody’s life?

• Will you give forgiveness where it is needed?

• Will you give that long awaited apology?

• Will you lend a helping hand to someone in need?

• Will you contact that person you haven’t spoken to in a long time?

• Will you share a kind word?

• Will you give the gift of listening?

• Will you take the time to provide encouragement to someone who has no hope?

• Will you commit to doing random acts of kindness?

• Will you give the gift of patience?

• Will you commit to focusing on what you have and what you can give away?

• Will you share the GIFT OF YOU?

The choice is yours. Choose wisely. The gift you give could make all the difference in the world. And remember, “It Is Better To Give Than To Receive.”

Every year at Christmas time I look for the right book to give to members of my family. Over the past three weeks I have read 9 books as I waited in airports and on airplanes. I had a difficult time selecting one book to recommend. As a result, I chose four. All four books are spiritual in nature and have had a great impact on me. I don’t believe you have to be a spiritual person to benefit from the messages. If you read any of the books, I would like to hear from you and get your perspective. Here is my list of suggested reads.

The Shack by William P. Young

Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright

The Precious Present by Spencer Johnson

The Purpose of Christmas by Rick Warren