I love Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree. It’s such a wonderful reminder of what it means to give to others with your whole heart. Of course, sometimes givers imagine they give far more than they receive, but it’s possible that it only appears that way. When God sees the way you give heart first, the gift of giving always counts.
One writer said this. “Give strength, give thought, give deeds, give wealth. Give love, give tears, and give yourself…the more you give, the more you live.” Wow!
The more you give, the more you live! I think that’s a motto to embroider on a pillow or hang on a plaque somewhere.
Give strength: On any given day, someone you know feels weak or depressed or lonely. They think life is nothing but struggle, and yet you know there are better days ahead. Your kindness will give them strength.
Give thought: You can send an encouraging text, make a friendly phone call, or open a door for someone by simply sharing a helpful idea. You can change their perspective with one positive suggestion. Your thoughts make a difference.
Give deeds: You may discount things you do for others, shrugging them off as nothing, but your good deeds make life easier and keep hope alive. Remember how you feel when others do good things for you.
Give wealth: When you’re on the downside of financial stability, always working hard, yet barely making ends meet, life feels like a losing battle. Generosity from a caring friend can be the blessing that makes life feel victorious again.
Give love: Loving others seems like the easy one, but God knows how hard it can be. That’s why it bears the greatest risk and reward. Love makes a difference.
Give tears: If you’ve ever cried with a friend, or grieved with someone in great pain, you know the blessing shared tears can be. Even Jesus wept.
Finally, just remember that each time you offer others your authentic, generous, and thoughtful self, you become the blessing.
Thank you to everyone I know who blesses the lives of others through gracious and loving gifts that make a difference. May God bless you tenfold for all you’ve done.