JOYFUL GIVING
December is considered a major month for giving. The rules are you should never give to receive, but give for the joy of giving. Too often many people give a gift expecting to receive a gift in return. If the gift they receive is not of equal value or if the expected gift is never received, disappointment is the first emotion experienced, followed by varying degrees of anger. Now, consider giving for the joy of giving. The resulting emotion is ‘joy’. The gift is joy, personal fulfillment and satisfaction. Sir Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
December, the last month of the year, is a perfect month for prepping the joy of giving. For the purpose of this article, the concept of ‘giving’ is defined as providing monetary, physical and/or intellectual service(s) for the benefit of a service origination or to an individual without the expectation of any compensation, except that of personal satisfaction. However, giving does not mean to purchase a material gift; the gift is the gift that comes from your heart. Humans are giving creatures, so give of yourself, give of your service and give back your community. to
I have identified three types of individuals: The selfcentered Grinch, the motive based giver and the joyful giver. The Grinch has never discovered the joy of giving. Volunteering and serving their community is not open for discussion. These people believe individuals who serve and give back to their community without compensation are literally crazy. The motive based givers are just that; they donate money or item and/or serve their community for personal gain; i.e. the value of their service for tax purposes or they serve their community because they need the experience for their college application or resume. These motives are acceptable as long as the joy of the service supersedes their personal gain. Now, The Joyful Giver has no motive and does not possess any of the qualities of the Grinch. He or she gives, volunteers and/or serves their community for the joy of doing so.
Usually persons who are ‘givers’ are products of a parent(s) who are ‘givers.’ Some years ago I had the pleasure of meeting a six year old boy who was experiencing the joy of giving. It was very early on a Christmas morning, around 7:00 A.M. My nine month old grandson was spending his first Christmas as a patient in the hospital. I stepped out of his hospital room and noticed a mother and child walking down the corridor. The mother was carrying a large bag about the size of a pillowcase and the pair were systematically visiting patients’ rooms. The child appeared to be very excited
Recently, I discovered that many well-known businesses and corporations have a ‘Work Place Giving’ program, where the employers will match an employee’s charitable gift. This is a win-win situation; the employee can select the organization they wish to donate to, the employer will match it and entire process is tax deductible. Whatever the employee’s motive, the recipient will reap the benefits.
Giving, sharing, volunteering, donating, however you decide to give back to your community will be a wonderful experience. Rich or poor, it really doesn’t matter; your service is just as valuable as the billionaire who donates half of his wealth. Ask yourself, “What kind of person am I?” and choose to be a giver. There are many volunteering programs and organizations ready for your service. Your place of employment, place of worship, the computer, your local library, your school or college are just a few resources, or just search within yourself to create a service of your own; just remember the words of Sir, Winston Churchill and reap the benefits of your service.