How do we Give During This Season & What Does it Mean to You?
It seems as if my post below about Bush generated much interest and attention. Since I have gone back to court (today was my first morning) and I argue for a living now, I will let that post lie, and the events, as they are will unfold with surely more to be revealed.
My daughter is home now with us, for the time being, which is truly the very best Hanukkah gift of the season. I am delighted to have her here with us, at least for today.
My daughter's illness, and many events that have happened during this year have given me pause to question what is the meaning of giving, at least from a personal standpoint. Certainly, it is the case, that I give and/or exchange gifts with others during the holidays, but to me, at this moment, the message of giving has taken on a deeper meaning. For example, while I was in the hospital, there was a gentleman in another room, a Jew, whose kippah was destroyed. I brought him a kippah, and gave him a siddur (prayerbook) that was given to me, to help him through his difficult moments. Another way I have been giving this holiday season, is to stop and buy food for those I see who are homeless, or in need. I also have bought hot milk and coffee as well.
These examples are not meant to boast, nor to illustrate how good deeds may or may not be done, but to show how the nature of giving during this season can take on an entirely new meaning, with those who are complete strangers reaping the benefits and small gifts of ourselves to one another. It is the case, that prior to the hardships coming in my own life, my own sense of giving was more material to those I knew rather than being of this nature.
Thank you for your minds.
My daughter is home now with us, for the time being, which is truly the very best Hanukkah gift of the season. I am delighted to have her here with us, at least for today.
My daughter's illness, and many events that have happened during this year have given me pause to question what is the meaning of giving, at least from a personal standpoint. Certainly, it is the case, that I give and/or exchange gifts with others during the holidays, but to me, at this moment, the message of giving has taken on a deeper meaning. For example, while I was in the hospital, there was a gentleman in another room, a Jew, whose kippah was destroyed. I brought him a kippah, and gave him a siddur (prayerbook) that was given to me, to help him through his difficult moments. Another way I have been giving this holiday season, is to stop and buy food for those I see who are homeless, or in need. I also have bought hot milk and coffee as well.
These examples are not meant to boast, nor to illustrate how good deeds may or may not be done, but to show how the nature of giving during this season can take on an entirely new meaning, with those who are complete strangers reaping the benefits and small gifts of ourselves to one another. It is the case, that prior to the hardships coming in my own life, my own sense of giving was more material to those I knew rather than being of this nature.
Thank you for your minds.
17 Comments:
Let there be love...
Happy Holidays!
Cheers,
Mr. H.K.
Postcards from Hell's
Kitchen
And I Quote Blog
I had stopped believing in Christanity long before I stopped participating in Christmas gift giving, but did so because I felt obligated too; now, I don't participate at all.
As far as I'm concerned, buying out of obligation is a piss poor reason to give gifts.
I don't participate in the Christmas rush, but I do accept the spirit of goodwill and joy during this season, because no matter what is said or done, there is a lot of postive energy around this time of year, and Thanksgiving. As such, this year I am going to give the most valuable things I own ... Understanding, Compassion, and Acceptance of others without exceptions.
Indeed, thank you for your mind Barbara, for you too have helped heal my humanity, and I don't think you can give me a better gift.
great news i am so happy for you truely a unique chanuka gift
I do the whole gift giving thing...Why??....I enjoy it...and it's part of who I am...I have alot of memories from growing up and opening presents on x-mas morning....I love getting together with the whole family....It's the one time of year EVERYBODY is there....
A few weeks ago....I was sitting in my car....and this man came up and knocked on my window...It kinda scared me at first....He asked me if I had any money.....for him some gas....He was going to the hospital to see a family member that was in ICU....and noway to get there....I said yes...and got him some gas....The thought ran thru my mind....What if?? What if??....I was in his shoes....Hopefully he was telling the truth!!!
Have a great day!!!!
What lovely gifts, B.
I heard today about a gift that really touched me. A friend who recently became a grandmother told me that her son's mother-in-law came to visit him and her daughter shortly after they had their first child. She insisted on handling all housework and cooking and told them, "You just get to know your baby." I thought that was a wonderful gift.
Thank you all for the beautiful gift of your words, and of course, your minds.
Barbara, I respect you very much for your good heart and reasonble approach to life. I trully believe that the goodness you radiate will uplift everyone around you, including your daughter. Pity I didn't know you were updating us about her condition on your blog; I could have just followed her progress here.
Chag Hanukkah sameach ve'bari, Eitan.
I also give money to the homeless & people will always say something like, "Oh, they are going to buy drugs or something like that."
Or, "I'd give them money but, I don't know what they really want it for."
This kind of thinking misses the whole point of giving.
I was taught long ago, that you give & once it leaves your hand, it is no longer yours to worry about.
To further belabor the point; It is not your responsibility what they do with it. Your responsibility is to give in human kindness.
Happy Giving!
I do give and receive material gifts at Christmas. I enjoy that.
But I also "adopt" children that are on Welfare and buy them gifts. This year I added two women who have just been released from jail to my list. It's easy to find places that want gifts for people in need at Christmas time. What we need to do, is remember these people all year.
Yes, let there be love, and light! I think giving takes on its most significance when it is unexpected, so, giving to strangers, giving to those in need. It takes more out of us, a volunteerism of spirit, which is or should be the nature of giving. We need to give all year long, but especially now this time is a reminder to us to consciously do so. Wouldn't it be nice if we were trained to do it for the rest of the year?
Good post. I enjoyed it.
I prefer to give to strangers. Although I'm sure there are plenty of things that my friends and relatives might want... no one is living without blankets or food. I still give gifts to my friends and family, but I don't get the same warm feeling as I do when I provide a random gift of kindness simply because I noticed a need. All giving feels good, but spontaneous uncontrived giving feels the best by far.
Thank you for sharing your examples of selfless giving. They are inspirational.
My shul goes to a local hospital each Christmas Day. Our members dress as Santa and elves and pass out toys to children and gifts to adults...and also to employees.
Your post is a reminder that there are so many ways to lighten the loads of others, not just in this season, but always.
I am so glad your daughter is home with you now. Continued good wishes are on their way for her complete recovery.
Hi, as always great post, and I'm impressed you got back to work with all that's going on.
As you did for that man, small gestures of kindness can be greater than the most expensive gifts.
I am glad that your daughter is home for now, what a DIVINE GIFT!!!
BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOURS ALWAYS!!
ASTRO TOO!!!
Love Scott
I think the most precious gift, is the gift of self. Helping others, even in the smallest of ways. When we give of ourselves, many times we forget our own troubles or just realize that there are many other people who have it a lot worse than we do. The Lord asks us to be in the service of our fellow man...
As you probably know I posted the list I sent to my family and friends - a list of what I want for Christmas. And I am disappointed a lot of them did not take me seriously.
But I do enjoy giving gifts, but as I do not enjoy the commercial side of the holidays, I found new types of gifts that still will satisfy both giver and recipient. This year I'll give away homemade meals, trips to the movies, helping someone to move etc. I have already got the best gift I could get this Christmas - I signed my contract for the job this Tuesday - AND I got a raise. I am healthy, and able to help my mum. I'm blessed to have learned to know you, and the others in Blogland.
And hearing your daughter could come home and celebrate Hanukah with you made my heart sing.
happy holidays, Barbara.
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