Giving

Giving ~ How much do you give? What do you give? How do you give?

I have been taught how to give. My dad was always someone who would give away anything someone needed. If someone needed food, a place to stay, money, you name it...his heart wanted to provide it. He is still like this. His whole life he has wished to win the lottery so that he could give in the way his heart wants to. I think I understand. With a heart that big you don't really put a lot of stock in the small things you give every day. However if you added it up over the course of your life I think you'd realize you didn't need a lottery. I have been the recipient of this generous heart more times than I can count. Growing up I also was given a lot of things from people who saw our family in need and wanted to give. I remember many Christmases when we received a Christmas hamper from Salvation Army. I remember my Aunties always giving us beautiful gifts and practical gifts that I was so so thankful to get for our birthdays or Christmas. I remember my grandparents also giving a lot to us in times of need.

My life was shaped by giving.

Was yours? I feel like some people's lives have been shaped by mostly receiving. They have not experienced the joy that giving brings. It is interesting to watch people who do not care about giving and who DO care about receiving.

When I got married my husband had not grown up the same way. He had not grown up being taught to give. It blew him away when I would want to give someone money or help someone in a big way. He didn't quite know how to handle it. As time has gone on he has realized how amazing it is and how much is actually blesses the giver as much as the receiver. I hope our children are also learning this trait as I really do believe it needs to be taught to most.

I am so thankful for the countless times I have been given to.

For my grandparents who gave me the gift of taking me to the mountains to hike and feed Whiskey jacks, for taking me on their sailboat, for the walks in Autumn, for the summer swims, for the record player music, the board games, for the garden produce, the fresh baking and canning.
For my parents who allowed me to have a lot of freedom. They gave me the gift of trust. They also gave me the gift of responsibility. I was able to own a horse, a goat, chickens, rabbits and they trusted me to take care of them. They helped me pay for them by giving me jobs and being consistent in paying me for them. They also helped me learn about money and be responsible with it. My parents nurtured in me a love of nature and good literature and music. They gave me life.
For my friends who have given me so many life giving words. They have given me time. Gifts that show how much they know who I am. They have prayed for me and gifted me with the trust of their hearts. I cannot express how greatful I am for my friends.
For my siblings. We have been through so much together. They have given me gift after gift after gift. They are so wonderful. We had this skype date one time...it was random and by chance. We were all over the place in the world and we all ended up on skype at the same time. I laughed the hardest I had laughed in years. I think one of the biggest gifts they have given me is laughter. They can make me laugh like no one else can.
For my children ~ they have put their hope and trust in me. They have given me their hearts. They have loved me just for me. I have been so transformed because of their love.
For my husband ~ he chose me and he has given me all of himself. I could not ask for more.
The list goes on and on....

All this giving to just one person.

 As we reach out and give ~ it is not just about giving money or gifts. It goes so beyond that. We give our smiles, our eye contact, our mercy, our friendship, our trust, we give our presence, our loyalty, our forgiveness, our love, our light. We give and give and give...

And in our giving we are filled so full that we overflow.