Gifts

Gifts--

One of my favorite gifts to myself is to pull a winter coat from the closet, put it on, cram my fingers into the pockets and find a ten dollar bill.  I feel like I have won the lottery!

Surprises spice up our lives.  They catch us off guard and add that little something extra to our day.  When I send packages to friends, I usually include something that I know will please them.  I can almost see their faces when they open the package  and find not only what they wanted, but also a little unexpected gift.  It is in the giving that true joy floods our lives.

My husband knows how much I love berries.  He doesn't like the seeds so anytime we have berries, they are all mine.  We have a garden and in that garden are many berry vines.  There are Marion berries, raspberries, strawberries.  He tends the vines carefully protecting the precious fruit from birds and raccoons.  When they are at their peak, he takes a bowl to the garden and fills it with berries--all for me.  That is such a loving gift.  He takes great pride in his garden and in giving me the pleasure of wonderful berries.  He loves bringing the gift of his garden into our kitchen.

Finding an email from a friend is a gift.  When we open the email, we unwrap the words of a friend.  Those words can make the difference in our attitude.  Words make it possible to connect with others in all types of ways.  Sometimes our communication is funny.  We send a joke or a personal experience that makes the receiver smile or laugh.  We might send a request for support.  Life gifts us with the good and the not so good.  How wonderful to have friends who want to hear our story no matter what it is.

Gifts can be anything.  One Christmas we gave our son and his family the gift of a meal every week for a year.  It was a gift enjoyed over a period of time.  I have heard that others give that same gift but on a monthly basis.  This gift keeps you connected.  We have given gifts of services on index cards that could be redeemed throughout the year.   It seems to me if we think just a bit, we can make a gift one of service as well as fun.  Of course we give gifts bought in stores.  We just try to mix it up a bit.

A letter or card is a lovely gift.  Texts and emails are so quick.  But, there is something so special in opening the mailbox and finding a handwritten note or letter.  Texts and emails are part of this time in history.  I love sending and receiving.  However, that handwritten message received in the mail is a delight.

It is easy for life to become mundane.  Established routines move us through our day.  Evenings generally follow a pattern, too.  So, when a surprise/gift interrupts our life, we are tickled pink.  These surprises bring a twinkle to our eyes and a smile to our hearts.

Because they come at unexpected times, gifts and surprises give our spirits a lift.  Is there anyone out there who doesn't need a "spirit lift" once in awhile?

You know where this is going.  Since we love surprises and gifts, wouldn't others who inhabit our space enjoy them as well?  If we don't act on their behalf, will someone else?  Do we really want to miss the blessing of another's joy?

No money needed.  Giving from our imagination is  priceless.  Giving our time is a huge gift.  Giving a smile is a treasure.   Giving that supports another is never forgotten.

If you are thinking that you would like to be a better giver, start small.  Begin with more smiles to others.  Check your own attitude and the words you speak.  Others are watching and listening.  You can give the gift of a positive life.  Remember to say thank you.  Open a door for someone with packages.  All of these things are gifts.  Enjoy the gifts you are giving!

Life, itself, is a gift.  Spend yours well.