"Seasonal Giving Blesses Everyone That Gives"

Thanksgiving starts the holidays off by giving us a chance to count our blessings and to be thankful for all that we have, because there are others that's are less fortunate than we are. Thanksgiving blesses us with family gatherings,that bring to our tables all kinds of delicious and great tasting foods to eat and savor. We share great times together and catch up on family happenings. Thanksgiving is giving thanks for everything God has blessed us with, that means the good, the bad and the experiences for our personal and spiritual growth. Then comes Christmas, the greatest holiday of them all, especially to the children because of all the wonderful gifts and toys that they receive. As parent we should take time and teach our children that Christmas isn't about the gifts or even the toys, it's also about giving to someone else that may be less fortunate than you.

I remembered when I was young growing up, we were poor but rich spiritually. We didn't get a lots of toys or gifts for Christmas unless the Salvation or some other organization gave to us. Most times for Christmas, mom and dad tied a brown paper bag to our beds with our names on them and inside a apple, orange,nuts and some candy but we were very thankful and happy about the little Christmas bag that our parent gave us. Christmas has become so commercialized, that children really don't know that the true meaning is giving for Christmas and for receiving. the bible even tells us that it is better to give than it is to receive. We don't have to wait for Christmas to give , there are opportunities every day to give something to someone in need, it doesn't have to be money... we can give of ourselves,or our time.

My greatest joy at Christmas time is in the spirit of giving, because it makes me extremely happy to give someone else something and put a smile on their faces. Jesus put great emphasis on being a cheerful giver and that means giving with a cheerful heart. It doesn't mean anything if you aren't giving with the right attitude. So,this season lets give something that will ultimately bless us in return. Let us give an abundance of love and care anything else that God put on our heart to give and I promise you will come away with a heart full of joyful happiness this holiday seasons.

Benny Faye Douglass (C) Copyright 2011