Gifts
At this season, we begin to think of the year just passed. This year, of all years, we also look back on the century just closing and think of successes and failures, good times and bad, friends and family, living and dead. We especially think of gifts.
We have all received gifts. Although some might argue, we all have the gift of life, the gift of opportunity, the gift of thought, the gift of freedom to read and see. Many of us have received other gifts, the gifts of talent, of family, of community, of friends, of work, of education. Many of us have received tangible gifts, gifts of money, clothing, books, games, toys, all the things we enjoy. But how many of us are grateful, how many of us thank the donors of these wonderful gifts. How many of us don't recognize the gifts we receive or forget them in the rush to do other things, perhaps to seek still more gifts?
Grateful is not the same as thankful. We can all be thankful or at least be ostensibly thankful, we can all remember to express our thanks to people who provide gifts. But gratitude requires that we recognize the gifts and genuinely appreciate them.
Perhaps we take for granted all that we have, all of the gifts. Perhaps we believe we have earned all that we have, that there are no gifts. Perhaps we don't recognize the donors as such. Or more likely we don't take the time to think about gifts, to recognize gifts and their donors and be appreciative.
We all know it is genuinely better to give than to receive. But giving is tainted when the recipient doesn't show appreciation. It makes us feel we gave the wrong gifts or, more often, that we gave gifts to the wrong person.
At this time, of all times, take the time to look at your life and value the gifts you have. Relax and appreciate everything that makes your life good, special, unique. When you've identified the gifts, thank the donor. You don't have to believe in a supreme being to give thanks for your life but thank whoever you believe gave you the gift. Like all of the simple things I write about, being thankful and grateful will help you to feel better about yourself and will please others, especially your donors.
12-20-99
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM YOUR INTERNET GRANDFATHER!
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