A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman.
"I've been thinking," he said, "I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone."
"The Wise Woman's Stone" - Author Unknown
I was so inspired by this! If we all had within our hearts to give without thought or hesitation to our own situation, how different and beautiful could our world be? This really got me thinking about the upcoming holiday season in particular. Why do we give? Is it out of the joy in our hearts or are we merely giving to get? If we really stand back and take a look there are many ways and reasons why people give. Some people give for recognition, or even in expectation of what they will receive. People who really have no other agenda give out of the goodness in their hearts, like the wise woman. The gift to them is in the act of giving itself. There are many ways to give of yourself without spending a dime. I like to remember during this season that Christmas itself is about the act of giving from our hearts. It’s not in the amount of presents that your bought or how much you spent, or that you may even get a gift in return. It’s about giving what we can of ourselves.
Some ways to give are:
Give your time. This is a very precious gift, and often over-looked in value. Give someone a handmade gift. Volunteer your time. Make someone feel appreciated by spending time with them, calling them, or giving them a card.
Give your unwanted things. Many people have basements and closets crammed tight with belongings that they haven’t used in years or don’t need anymore. These are quite possibly the same things other people are doing without and could use.
Give your smiles & laughter. This is contagious! Honestly, I can’t help but smile once someone has smiled at me. It can brighten your day, and lift your spirits. The only thing better is laughing with a friend! What a way to spread health and happiness.
Give affection. We never lose the need for affection and acceptance. A hug, a pat on the back, a touch on the arm. Such a simple thing, let’s us know we are valued and dramatically shift our emotions.
Give encouragement. When people are filled with doubt and fear they lack courage. When you inspire and motivate someone to act on their dreams, it can be life changing. You are making the world a better place.
Give forgiveness. Forgiveness offers healing to family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.
Give an act of kindness. This is easiest, most abundant gift we have to give away. Open the door for the person behind you, make cookies for a friend, return your grocery cart. Kindness not only brings joy to the giver and receiver, but also to anyone witnessing it!
Give love. Challenge yourself to not only love those who love you, but also to love those who you feel deserve it the least. Make this world a more loving place. Everyone can reap the benefits of this!
The list of ways and things you can give are endless!!! Be creative. Open your heart this season, this year! See how these simple gifts can change your world and the world for those around you.