“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” ― Winston S. Churchill
Have you caught yourself saying something like, “I wish I had more money so I could buy that gift for my sister or, “if only that item was a little bit cheaper so I could get it for my mom” or, “it’s not fair that all those gifts I wanted to get are so expensive”!
It’s Christmas, the holiday that is supposed to bring much joy and peace. Yet it has become so focused on the shopping involved that often all we can think about and experience, is the stress of it all!
For whatever reason, I’ve always been the most excited about picking out just the perfect gift for friends and family, the thing or things that I know they want and will be most excited to receive. Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate getting gifts too, but watching someone open a special gift I put some time and thought into, and seeing their excitement at receiving it, is very special. There truly is a joy in giving!
Many of us can’t always afford that perfect gift we would like to give. For example, a few years ago as Christmas approached, I found myself in a place where my gift giving finances were more limited than usual. While I had a pretty good idea of what everyone might like to received, I had been saving up for a special missions trip in January, and spending those dollars on Christmas presents was just not in the cards. What was I going to do, I was excited about the missions trip but frustrated and disappointed with my meager budget for presents.
The truth is that there are many reasons why we might find ourselves with little money to buy presents at Christmas. Perhaps we’ve lost a job, or just need the money to put food on the table.
In my case, after praying about it and much thought, I came up with an idea that didn’t cost a lot of money but would be fun at the same time. I purchased small denomination gift cards ($5) for each family member to their favorite store or restaurant. The plan called for finding some larger boxes that could be stuffed with newspaper and at least one heavy item. I ended up using an old large stuffed animal for my sister’s box, a couple cans of soup for my brother, and found a brick or two that were sitting around in the backyard for my parents. When Christmas morning came and each family member found a large box under the tree from me, they were excited! The thing I remember the most about opening presents that year was the laughter and joy we all experienced! It didn’t matter that the things in those boxes didn’t have much monetary value. They were appreciated anyway, and a lot of laughter and fun was had by all.
My friends, it doesn’t matter what it is that you give, or how much something is worth, but instead what really matters is the heart of the giver! Next time you are trying to figure out just the perfect gift for a loved one or a friend, don’t focus so much on the price tag, rather focus on your relationship. What is it that they would value from you? It could be time spent together, a heartfelt letter, or a huge box filled with newspaper, a fancy brick, and a $5 gift card. Giving is much more than what is inside the box or how much it is worth.
As the holiday rush descends upon us and Christmas is just around the corner, I encourage all of you to remember what is most important, what you really value. Be a joyful giver!
For with a giver’s heart, only the best is yet to come!
Drew Hunthausen
The No Excuses Blind Guy
Go to www.DrewsInspirations.com to get a copy of my free guide “The 5 Keys to Living a No Excuses Life Filled with Joy, Peace, and Prosperity”.
Helping inspire folks to be “their best” in life and become all they were created to be, is why I became an inspirational and motivational speaker. I am based in Southern California, and am open to booking speaking events anywhere a car can drive me or a plane can fly me, and the finances will permit. My desire and mission is to share my story and message to help you live a life blessed with a positive attitude, an abundance of gratitude, and no excuses!
If you think I might be a good fit to speak at your next event, please visit www.drewhunthausen.com/speaker to set up a booking.
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