The Gift of Giving
THE GIFT OF GIVING
As you all know, gifts come in all different shapes, sizes and styles and I have to admit that giving gifts is one of my most favourite things to do. Have you heard of the 5 love languages – well gift giving is my number one. Throughout the year I love to surprise friends, family, even neighbours with an unexpectant gift. Of course when it is a birthday or Christmas, that is even better as I can really let my head go.😍 As I write this, I can’t wait for the presents to be all beautifully wrapped and under our Christmas tree waiting for Christmas day to arrive, when paper and bows will be flying and love will be flowing!
One of the most precious gifts I think we can give each other is 'ourselves.' A smile, a helping hand, company for a lonely heart is all things we can give on a daily basis. You might not think that is important, but the way you do things is very unique ~ no one else has your lovely smile or can do things just the way you do. This reminds me of a beautiful sculpture I saw recently of a pottery calved hand holding a ball in the middle of the palm. The hand was gently folding its fingers to keep the ball in place. The ball represents the unique things that are yours to give as a gift to those who cross your path. What makes this sculpture all the more meaningful is it was sculptured by my eldest sister, who has had big changes in her life of late as a sea change move came to their retired lives. She found the almost forgotten sculpture at just the right time, which has brought clarity and meaning to her day to day living.
A few years ago, I wrote these words in my first book Beauty All Around: -
“So, what is in your hand to give today? Have you looked at your hands lately, your unique beautiful hands that are just waiting to shower others with care and love? If you are feeling a little unsure or you aren’t confident that you have anything in your hand to give, let me assure you YOU DO! Why not take the hand of the One who knows and loves you most. God has created you for something very special, so why not trust Him to show you the way. He is just waiting for you to ask Him to use the gift of who you are to bless others.”
Christmas really is my most favourite time of year. Not only because I get to shower my loved ones with gifts, but also because of the Reason for the Season, so the old saying goes. If I didn't have God's gift Jesus in my life I really don't know how I would cope from day to day. He is the most precious gift to me I could ever receive. When I am overwhelmed with life’s trials He is always there to encourage, support, comfort and see me through. You may be asking 'how?' Well that's the mystery, that's the miracle of Christmas....it really is simple ~ all you have to do is to 'ask' Him!
As I leave you to get on with all your Christmas joy I just want to thank you for popping in to read my blogs. There will be more in the coming year I promise you. I also hope, if you feel comfortable doing so – will you connect with me and the other readers through writing a comment or just by saying hello? That would be lovely!
Here is one of my favourite Christmas cards I painted a few years ago ~ the deer is listening to the Church bells as they ring out over the snowy meadow.....(I do hope I can experience a white Christmas one year ~ does anyone else have that dream?)
So blessings to you all this Christmas and may the year ahead bring peace, joy, love and hope in abundance ~ Cathy xx
C.G.