This time of year offers many opportunities to experience the joys of giving. Giving doesn’t have to be a burden or an obligation; instead, it should be an expression of our love, humanity and purpose. The best gift we can give ourselves is the joy we receive when helping and giving to others. Make this season one of giving in small and big ways.
One way to make giving a joyous experience is to be prayerful about it. I think when we pause to pray about how we can give to others, our church and favorite charity, our heart is prepared to give what we can.
As we come to the end of the year, many organizations knock at our doors seeking our support. Joy comes to me when I give to the causes that touch my heart but more importantly, impact others. Look within yourself and ask, what are you passionate about? Which organizations are working with integrity and getting results that you can support?
Giving fills us with great joy when we do it out of love for people we know or don’t know. Giving out of love makes us think about the person, who they are, what their needs are and how best to help them.
The gift can be monetary but it doesn’t have to be. We can cook a meal for an elderly couple, give a book or a small toy to a child, a restaurant gift certificate to a young couple, flowers from your backyard and much more. As Mother Teresa said, “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”
We all have the opportunity this season and year round to experience the joy and gift of giving when we let love be our guide. Make this season joyous through giving in small ways with great love. What is it about giving that brings you joy? Please share with us.
Lord, thank you for the joy of giving.
