The Gift of Giving

*Please be in prayer for my Granny today.  She was admitted to the hospital yesterday with severe back pain.  They are having trouble managing her pain and figuring out what is causing the trouble.  Thank you so much!* 

Middle and I were going to get him new shoes the other night as he had completely outgrown the ones that were purchased for him before the start of school.  On the way there, we were talking about a time when he rode his bike with a friend and his Dad to the gas station here in town to get something to drink.  It happened to be the weekend that the firefighters were collecting money for MD I believe.  They stand at the one intersection in Mulvane that has a stoplight...I take that back.  We have two or three now.  But growing up...it was our one stop light.  Anyway, they stand there with their boots and collect money from anyone willing to give as they go through.  Middle was telling me that he gave three dollars to the boot when they went by.  Now...Middle's friend's Dad is a firefighter himself...so it was no accident that they went down there...but Middle was telling me how good it felt to give.  He said it was just a "cool feeling" and that it made him feel really good.  Good enough that he'd do it again when they were there next year. 

My devotion today was talking about just that...giving. 

We are to give something away every single day.  Because the joy of giving is so great...and it helps others in the process.

We are not to be confused by giving only money or time though.  The writer says you can give so much more by giving joy, encouragement, help and forgiveness.  You can actually give joy through giving all of these things. 

The writer talked about how much encouragement she had been given from her readers...and I can completely relate to that.  One of my goals for 2011 is to print off all the emails and comments that have brought me such encouragement in my writing.  People have given that to me as a gift and I never want to forget the things that have been said that have made me want to continue on with this blog.

Giving help is something that we often shy away from for fear we'll be embarrassed by someone say, "no thank you."  What on earth would we have to be embarrassed about?  If you see someone struggling with their hands full...offer to help!  I would bet 9 times out of 10 if they are struggling as much as they appear to be...they'll accept.  And for the rest of the day, you'll have joy from knowing you helped someone.

Giving forgiveness...this brings us as much if not more joy than the person we are forgiving...but it is a gift.  We receive that gift from Jesus Christ on a daily basis...and what joy that brings my soul.  Why not add more joy to that in forgiving someone who has wronged you.  You'll feel better and they'll have the gift reflected from you of Jesus Christ's Love for them. 

What will you give away today?

Have a Blessed Day!
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