The Gift of Giving
Thanksgiving was great -- I am sure we all sufficiently stuffed ourselves with all the trimmings and desserts. We gave thanks for our many blessings and spent quality with friends and family. Now comes one of the best seasons of the year: CHRISTMAS!! I am one of those who likes to decorate the weekend after Thanksgiving. I’ve already started listening to Christmas music; Folk Angel is one of my favorites. We all start making our Christmas lists and giving hints and ideas for the things we have been pining for.
This year, however, we decided to MAKE gifts. That’s right, we are upping the ante and we are going to use our talents to make gifts for our friends and family. I have NO idea what I’m going to do just yet, but anyone who knows Toby knows wood will play a role in his gift giving.
There is something to be said for being the giver. It makes you really think about the person you are giving to and what they like and need and want.
The tray Toby made for Matt & Alyssa one year
I think sometimes we spend too much time making our own lists and not enough time making lists of gifts we want to give. I’m encouraging my family to do just that this year. We are going to do more of the giving and less of the getting. We have so much already. And with Sparrow in our home this year, we are truly blessed and have all we could want.
Fostering has changed us -- it’s changed our hearts in ways I can’t even describe. We spend much of our time pouring ourselves out, and there is always the chance that we won’t get to keep her. It’s taught us to be grateful for every single second we have and to pour ourselves out as completely as we can.
Giving is an art. I really believe that. Whether it’s giving time, giving to someone who has more needs than we do or giving Christmas gifts that mean something. I don’t just want to give a gift to give a gift, I want to give with a purpose. I am genuinely excited to be a giver this year. I always like giving gifts, but this year is different. I’ve spent half of this year having my world turned upside down by fostering. I feel broken in some areas, but it’s a good broken. I mentioned last night at my Bible study that I know God has these kids best interest at heart, even if it means breaking my heart. I have to learn to live a little broken, a little undone and a lot in need of Him. I’m giving this year without any need of getting in return. There isn’t any earthly possession that would fill my biggest desire anyway. So, I’m focusing less on my wants and more on how I can bless others. It’s soul soothing to be a giver.
I have to learn to live a little broken, a little undone and a lot in need of Him.
Maybe this year, you can take a step back and be a bigger giver, as well. Maybe it’s not even a tangible thing you give, maybe it’s more time for family game nights, or a family vacation instead a bunch of gifts. Maybe it’s going to a soup kitchen and feeding those who have nothing. Or babysitting for a couple who hasn’t had a date night in ages. I don’t know what it would look like for you. It’s easy to let this season become all about the gifts you want. So food for thought: for every gift you want, give two.
If you are interested in shopping small business this year, Aimee Sanchez just opened a spectacular art and goods store. If you want to give some amazing glass work, or original prints check her out at thebelovedsea.com.
