Jan 17 2009
Sharing Our Gifts In 2009
Image via Wikipedia
With Christmas 2008 still fresh in our memory, please take a minute to think back at the expression on the faces of all those that you presented with a gift. For many, there was the pure joy at being remembered. For others, you may have noticed a look or surprise or delight at your thoughtfulness. These brief glimpses into the hearts of others are perhaps the greatest reward for any gift giver. Would you like to enjoy this experience year round?
Each of us are blessed with certain gifts that can often be extremely helpful to others. It might be your upbeat, positive outlook on life, a creative talent you possess, or your deep abiding faith. Often just a thoughtful few words shared with a friend, co-worker, staff member, or acquaintance can make a huge difference in that person’s outlook on life that day. Enthusiasm and optimism can be very contagious. Share you attitude with those around you and see what happens.
Reaching out to our neighbors and friends who may be in need is still another way that we can share our gifts in 2009. Extend a helping hand to someone who needs assistance. Offer to run an errand, babysit with the neighbor’s children, or visit someone who lives alone. Are you a great cook? Package up a meal or two and take it to somebody who lives alone. Doing thoughtful things for others is a wonderful way to give from the heart.
As we go about our daily routines, caught up in the usual time pressures of life, let’s not forget to be considerate of each other. Allow someone with just a few items to go ahead of you at the grocery checkout. Stop and let another drive pull out into traffic. Remember to express your appreciation to those who serve you in restaurants or stores by smiling and saying “Thank you.”
If we could all adopt some of these ideas, we would experience a deeper sense of appreciation for each other while giving of ourselves.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=b406f487-bd7a-4d1a-ba90-0d35308f2ab8)
