With Thanksgiving just around the corner and Christmas already on many of our minds (Anybody else break out the Michael Bublé Let It Snow album yet?) Thursday marks the beginning of a season of giving. In an ideal world, this season would be a 24/7 way of life, but a lot of us need that turkey and some mistletoe to remind us why giving is important.
Whether it’s time, love, grace, joy, peace, inspiration, assistance, guidance, resources—we all are in need of these freely given gifts. Even the tiniest sacrifice has the potential to create positive and significant ripple effects. A gift makes spirits bright.
Yesterday, my boyfriend and I were reminded of the importance of giving time by helping Minnetrista, a local cultural center, decorate for the winter season. At 10 a.m., few volunteers were showing up, but one-by-one, a solid group formed within the hour.
For three hours we hammered snowflakes into the wall, stringed skates with blue ribbon, decked out trees and enjoyed some pretty delicious food. Nobody asked any of us to be there, but by simply offering our time, we were able to create something beautiful for the community. It was also a joy to see how everyone used their unique gifts to fulfill specific needs for the project.
Wonderful things happen when we make ourselves available and use our talents for the benefits of others.
When we give unselfishly, we make a difference…and no matter how big or small that difference is, I guarantee you that it does not occur in vain. Life is enriched when we choose to give freely and offer ourselves for the sake of something greater.
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