In this Advent Season, as we prepare for Christ’s birth and the many things we will give and receive, are we able to give without first being grateful?
Somehow, as I think about this, I think the answer is “no”. Before we can reach out and give what we have, we need to be grateful for having.
When we walk down the street and give something to someone who asks isn’t there at least a split moment that we are grateful for having that ability to give?
When we offer our time in ministry are we not first grateful for what we receive and for our time that we are able to give?
When we give that smile to someone passing by, are we not grateful for something in our day, for the smile we received from that person, for the breath that we are able to take?
When we give consolation to someone are we not thankful for the relationship that we have with that person?
When we are on the receiving end of any of this, are we not more readily willing to then give? Why?
I dare say it is because of gratitude that we were shown/received that we then give mercy, care, love.
Before we give we are grateful for our many blessing/gifts that we receive. Understanding that
ALL is gift can give us a new perspective on life. Take a moment (or many moments) each day to be thankful for something. As we grow in gratitude we grow in generosity of the gifts that God has given us, of the love that He extends constantly and we can share so easily. As we give of our gifts are we not actually being an extension of the hand of God in giving what He has already given us?