The Spirit of Giving is a gift. That “give the shirt off your back” kind of generosity is something only a few people truly exhibit, and yet it is a trait that we can share.
When I was young, my mother told me that JOY is spelled Jesus – Others – You, meaning that you put God first, then others, then yourself last. Today, we often get this backwards. It is so important in raising our own that we continue to reach out and bless those around us. It is in this spirit that I share my personal story of our family and the blessings we share each year.
Wanting to be in the right attitude at Christmas time, I struggled with how to do this with my little ones. It was hard to go to the rescue mission or volunteering service when they were little. We decided to select a special group each year to bless. We would spend time together as a family but also help those in need in our area.
As little guys, our firefighters fascinated our boys. They called them “fighter fighters”. They always wanted to bless the firefighters. The engine house was close to our home, and we took cookies or brownies over often. We talked to them and got on the trucks. They even came out for a firefighter-themed birthday party.
In thinking of how much my littles loved this, we decided to bless the firefighters and those they help. We spent the next year collecting and setting aside a gift at Christmas to bless those “burned out” of their homes. I got a small fire engine and attached a gallon Ziploc baggie to it. Our extra change and ones made it into that baggie for that year. We also added some of the “extras” we had around the house, which became a small pile of blessings. At Christmas time, we made some reindeer cookies and took them along with the money and “extras” to the firehouse to be a blessing to the next family in need. This was the start of a wonderful concept because my kids couldn’t wait to see who was next.
On Christmas Eve, from the time the kids were little to now, we have had one present under the tree which is always the first one we open. It is a small box with a name inside of whom we plan to save for and bless the following year. My boys are grown now, and we still travel or take an experience together. Yes, we had presents under the tree. But we always try to understand that it is not the number of gifts nor the price of the gift. It’s not even if it is valuable to you or something you want. Rather, it is the heart of the giver that is in that package.
So, you carefully unwrap your presents and think of the value of that heart. Take the time to write thank you to those who blessed you with their heart at Christmas. It is as simple as using the wrapping paper to say thank you—signing your name or drawing a picture. The gift of gratitude and the gift of giving unto others comes from the act of giving and thankfulness. Over the years, we have been blessed with so much. We choose to bless others through the various ministries and opportunities that are out there. Generosity of spirit is a gift. We can share it, and we can train others to have it.
When I was asked to share this piece of my story with you, I thought of how to do so without it seeming to be snotty or prideful because that is not what it is about nor who I am at all. The point of Christmas is a celebration of the ultimate gift – a tiny baby who was the Christ in human form. The shepherds came to worship Him, and the wise men brought Him gifts (yes, I know this was actually much later but tradition …). It is in this that we tried to stay in our thoughts. Three gifts given to symbolize the gifts of the wise men. Three gifts only per person under the tree and, of course, the Santa surprise when they were very little.
But it was and still is the best to open that small box on Christmas Eve. We know that the ultimate gift is in the blessing of those around you. This should be a daily calling and yes, we do that too. It is special to know that you are working and saving to bless others as Christ has blessed you with the gift of life. In the world of fraud and cheats, people who lie and steal to get from others in so many ways, it is still so refreshing to be able to bless someone or a ministry with a small gift of thoughtfulness. The JOY that comes from that cannot be had in other ways. Some of my friends ask me whom I am giving to this year, and I always say, to the place that God has laid on my heart.
If you need a place to start your giving, choose an outreach or a person in your scope of influence. If you need a list of places to save and donate to, there are so many ministries. You can choose Angel Tree, Roy’s Kids, nursing homes, the homeless, or animal shelters. Scripture says the needy are with you always. You will not always have the opportunity to bless them. So, take this time to teach your littles this year to bless others. There are many in need of so much that they cannot afford from those in need of brain training to those who need shoes and clothes. Every penny or gift counts, and you can give even when you are the one in need, for that is how it comes back to you. If you cannot give financially or in gifts, give your time. There are many in need of a simple listening ear or someone who actually wants to spend time with them.
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This article is by Donesa Walker, M.Ed., B.C.C.S., Owner and Executive Director of LearningRx Shreveport-Bossier. She has over 30 years of experience in teaching and educational administration. She opened LearningRx Shreveport-Bossier in 2008. She wanted to help families tackle the root issues behind dyslexia. Since then, both Donesa and her center have received a plethora of awards from local and national organizations. Donesa has published over 20 books and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Psychology. This article was previously published in LOLA magazine and The Collective . I have made some changes to make the article more blog friendly