Be A 'Cheerful Giver'

The holiday season always brings back so many memories for us. We sit around with our families and friends trying to enjoy being together and working harder to show each other we care.

While I wish people's best hearts were out all year long, I am happy to see the generosity come out of people at least for part of the year.

Ringing the bell the for the Salvation Army has to be the most gratifying thing I do. Standing there.. some people don't even look at you as they walk by; however, there are those people who stop and chat for a bit, put some change in the kettle and move along their way.

It warms my heart every time because I know they don't have to give anything.. but they do. Sometimes it's dollars and sometimes it's pennies which brings to mind a story in the bible about a poor woman who only a few coins but gave all she had as an offering to God (Mark 12:41-44). The important thing to remember is that giving something adds up with everyone else that gives.. soon the buckets fill up and before you know it, someone is getting the help they need.

The reason I know that is because once upon a time that was me. The people in this city gathered together and gave of themselves so that when my family was in need, we had help. We had you. I know I am grateful for it and I'm sure others today are as well.

I think people get too wound up in the idea of holiday shopping and bargain hunting (and putting themselves into debt to do so) and forget the true meaning behind this holiday season. It is a time to give.. a time to love one another. Our lives are filled with work and other obligations and it's nice to be able to take a few days out of the year and be able to share them with those you care about over good food and warm greetings.

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Although I don't decorate or put up a tree, I love seeing the lights and others' decorations. I love the music, mostly the traditional stuff. It fills you with a different kind of love that doesn't come around the rest of the year. My other favorite part of the holiday season is that gives people another opportunity to share the message of Christ, God's ultimate gift to us.

On that note, what I would encourage of anyone who reads this is to remember that there is always someone less fortunate than you. You may not have all you want, but hopefully you have all you need. Homemade gifts from the heart are the best. Take the time to show your family and friends that you love them through giving of your time and talents.

"Every man according the purpose in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver," -- 2 Corinthians 9:7