‘Tis the season to be
shamed, strong armed and guilted into giving, giving and giving some more even
when you don’t have it to give in the first place.
TO GIVE
I totally believe in giving.
Giving is part of every day life at our house. We have a special friend we help support and
before we took on the responsibility, we as a family sat down and discussed what
we were willing to give up to make it happen.
It is also not uncommon for us to buy someone that is hungry a hot meal or
help out someone we know is having a hard go.
It is a family effort and activity.
But we do it quietly and throughout the year not just at Christmas. We don’t make a production out of it; we give
because we want to and because it is an important part of our lives.
I’ve let out a little of our secret to emphasize a point I
want to make about something that bothers me about this time of year. Everyone and every organization appear to be
out for your last red cent during the holiday season. Whether it is the bell ringers, the school
groups, church groups, this group or that group, everyone wants and expects
more, more and more! If you don’t give
freely they are not above shaming you.
Why is only this time of the year important for giving? Should we not be giving throughout the
year? I’m sure there are hungry people
in July, cold people in need of hats and scarves in February or food banks in
need of supplied shelves in August. Or
do we only feel the need to help others at Christmas to ease our consciences
because we spent the mortgage payment on the toy little Johnny will toss in the
corner of the closet and forget about within two weeks?
I’ve really scaled down Christmas spending this year even
more than I did last. Partly because to
be plain I don’t have the extra cash like in years past and we also don’t need
a bunch of extra junk cluttering up our house and lives. The children and I have talked about why we
don’t need to go wild at Christmas and the importance of giving throughout the
year. I’m not trying to toot my own horn. I want them to realize need doesn’t go away just because we put the decorations away. We
don’t have all the new toys or fancy stuff but we aren’t currently in need of anything either.
Don’t misunderstand me.
I have bought my children Christmas presents and more than they
needed. But I also like to give
throughout the year. Not just to my
little darlings but to my friends, family and where I see need.
Hello, my name is
Ebenezer?
I’ve become a world class champion at saying “no thanks” or
“not at this time” to all the open hands.
Perhaps that makes me hard hearted, I don’t know, but sometimes I just
can’t give any more. I also don’t like
giving to the faceless. I’m sure the
teachers at my children’s school can’t stand me because the past few years I
haven’t gone above and beyond like before and sent bags full of canned foods,
scarves, hats and money for each and every “drive” for this or that. I truly do appreciate the reason they are
doing it but I prefer to be a bit more hands on.
You know by now I like to toss out a challenge or a thought
to ponder after I have subjected you to my ramblings so get ready!
If you give, donate or drop money in the kettles during the
holiday season I salute you but I also have a request of you. Take out the cost of a meal (complete with a
drink and dessert) and put it in an envelope and tuck it away. You’ll know when you need to pull it out and
spend it on someone that will appreciate your kindness. Want to know a secret? The best part is after you give you will
receive something money can’t buy.
And
the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the
least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:40
3 comments:
Once again, you have hit the nail on the head! As someone you have been very generous to in the past and in the present, I can testify to your giving nature. I, even in the state I am in now, give throughout the year, even though it isn't as much as it used to be now that I am not working.O am proud of you for teaching your children, and hopefully others, the value of giving. If we don't teach our children these lesson then who will? I think it is easier for people to give during the christmas season because it is shoved at you and people forget sometimes during the other eleven months out of the year.
As always, you have echoed the sentiments that many people have (but much more eloquently). It is really tough to "keep up with the Joneses" with the economy of the world. This year we agreed not to exchange gifts among siblings. The nephews are of course getting their just desserts, but really, as you said, what do we actually NEED? And it is stressful to avoid the hands being held out for more. I didn't really have it in the first place!!! Year round,the best we can do is try to make someone's day a little brighter. A kind word here and there, a smile, a simple gesture. It's amazing what a difference that makes. Next time you are in line at the store, let that person in front who has only a couple of items. At the coffee shop, offter to pick up the tab of the person in front or behind you. Wish someone a nice day when you can see on their face that it hasn't been so far. I love seeing the transformation on a person's face when they get a little attention and a warm smile. That, as you say, is reward in itself.
I honestly get frustrated with how every commercial is for a store, for buying more and more. I have been trying to even make that into a giving experience. I've tried to choose presents from friends trying to have their own businesses; small businesses, USA made. Just because it at least makes me feel like I'm making a difference. The world is a little frakked up right now. Let's see what we can all do to make things brighter for our co-inhabitants!!!
Thanks for sharing these honest and important thoughts with us, Jacqueline!!!
Linda said...
You are so wise beyond your years! Thank you for being my friend! You are one in a million. I was in Nashville in April the week before the CMM getting my truck fixed and walked to McDonald's for breakfast while it was being worked on. I saw an old man with a walker that was staggering and trying to make it across one of the busiest streets downtown. I stopped to help him get across. Tattered, dirty, smelly, but a sparkle in his eyes. I thought he was going to McDonald's but he did not come in. I bought him a big breakfast and a cup of coffee and asked for cream and sweetner instead of sugar. As I ran to catch up with him I noticed that he was staggering more and going slower. When I approached him I said I hope that you don't mind but I bought you a breakfast also. He was so kind and with tears in his eyes said thank you could you get my medicine out of the front of my walker for me I can take it now. He was a diabetic and was going to be in serious trouble soon if he did not eat and take his meds. David was a little upset with me for taking so long and for staying with the old man by myself, he thought something had happened to me. I told him that when I helped him across the street I did NOT smell alcohol so I knew he must be diabetic--he had all of the classic signs. I felt so warm inside for helping him and his smile was so big after he ate. He is one of our many homeless VietNam Vets! SO SAD!! I will buy someone a meal but will not give them money just in case it is going to alcohol or much worse! Keep up the great work and passing it on to the little ones.
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