As I write this article today we are in the season of Christmas when people’s thoughts are on giving presents to others in their lives.  But when you stop to think about this for a moment what is the truest meaning of giving and should we not be looking to give all year round and not just at Christmas time.

For me the truest meaning of giving comes straight from your heart.  It is something you yourself want to do without someone else knowing that you were the giver.  When you do it you get that warm glow inside you knowing that you have done some good for that someone else. At times maybe that person never knew you did it for them but in your heart you know what you did and it makes you feel good that you could have done something for that person or persons.  

Giving does not always mean money either you can give of your time and talents too.  When we hear the word give we all think that we have to give of our money. Yes, money is a wonderful gift to give but we all have talents or gifts that God has given us too.  We should look and take stock of what gifts God has given us to use.    We have all been given different gifts from God to use on this wonderful earth and with any gift it is not really a gift until you give it away to someone else.

Many of us including me at times have never taken the time to see what gifts God has really given us.  I know a lot you are going through some tough times this year with the economy and all but instead of getting down and looking at what you don’t have take the time to see what gifts you do have and think about how you can best use your gifts in the coming year.  For me the simplest gift we can give away each and every day of our lives and it will not cost you even a penny is a SMILE to someone you don’t even know and along with that smile add a hello.  One thing we don’t know is how just doing these two simple gifts can change someone’s life. If you are like me and truly believe in the ripple effect of life then remember to give away yourself a little each day to someone else.  Remember sometimes the simplest gifts are the best.    

So as we enter this New Year my hope is that we all take the time to see what gifts we truly have then give them away without any thought of getting that gift back because for me the beauty of giving is that it can be done all year long and not just a Christmas time.  The Bible states it best that God does truly love a Cheerful Giver. 

So as that ol’ saying goes it truly is Better To Give than Receive.

Have a Blessed Day!!   

John Lange

www.attainyoursuccess.com