Many thoughts of giving this year revolve around material things, but let me encourage you to be mindful of the other types of giving that are so important. Someone compiled a list of eight things we can all give (and receive):
- Give the Gift of Listening – Really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening.
- Give the Gift of Affection – Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
- Give the Gift of Laughter – Clip cartoons, share articles, funny stories, and a good joke. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
- Give the Gift of a Written Note – It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or an “I appreciate you” note. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
- Give the Gift of a Compliment – Everyone needs encouragement. Mark Twain said, “One compliment can keep me going for a whole month.”
- Give the Gift of a Favor – Go out of your way to do something kind for someone.
- Give the Gift of Solitude – There are times when we want nothing more than to have some peace and quiet. Be sensitive to those times, and give the gift of solitude to others.
- Give the Gift of a Cheerful Disposition – The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone. It’s not hard to be polite and courteous, to say “hello” or “thank you.”
Copyright © Tony Cooke Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
