gift, n, 1. something given; a present. 2. act of giving. 3. the power or right of giving. 4. a quality, or special ability; natural endowment; talent.
I love number '3' in this definition of 'gift'. Having the ability to give why ever would I not try to exercise that 'right' year round and in a variety of ways? I am so very, very grateful for my life, for the fact that I am comfortable, warm, never hungry and almost always happy. These are gifts given to me -- and I want to share them with others.
This is probably the worst time of the year to think about gifting - giving a gift tends to become a 'have-to' instead of a 'want-to'. For those who aren't natural 'gifters' it becomes a chore to be endured. For those who make gifting a part of their everyday life it takes the beauty out of a simple offering.
I love the idea of 'acts of random kindness' -- giving anonymously in little ways that might surprise the receiver and give me a glow for the rest of the day. Those quiet, non-wrapped gifts of self, time or just observation of something that needs to be done, fill me with joy. If I think about it -- giving to others is truly a gift to myself!
"The gifts that one receives for giving are so immeasurable that it is almost an injustice to accept them" - Rod McKuen
