This the season to share our abundance with others!
“If you are really thankful, what do you do? You share.” —W. Clement
Think about all those transitional weekends following Thanksgiving …maybe you were like me visiting family for the weekend, but since it was actually that weekend that kicks off the Christmas season you might have been doing a bit of holiday shopping, too! For us being in the country, we loved to go to the Farmer’s Market to buy our Christmas greens, wreaths, etc. there was a dear lady, Miss Thelma, a great Christian woman of a grand old age who lived alone on sustenance and made pine roping to sell. I will never forget her great spirit and sweet smile, but her body was stooped, her hands rough and torn from dealing with so much wire and pine. It was our delight to be sure to help her along and buy her roping and wreaths. She was always so happy to see us coming by her stand. Helping in anyway you can at this time of year is something that is so appreciated!
“Thanksgiving after all, is a word of action.” —W.J. Cameron
For as many years that I can remember we have worked in our church collecting food baskets for Thanksgiving insuring those less fortunate than we have a delicious meal on their table with loads more to last a few days. Several times we were also involved in delivering the food boxes. To actually get to meet, and share the love of Christ was such a privilege! I pray you are finding ways to share with others this season!
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” —John F. Kennedy
During this season and into the Christmas season ,especially, it is wonderful to show your appreciation to those who serve you in some way. We decided a few years ago that each Christmas season when we eat out we would tip our server at least double or more. It was our thrill when we left a sizable tip to watch from outside the dining area to capture his or her exclamation of delight. It was our joy to see the excitement on her or his tired face. It is also a great time to remember the mail carrier, ours enjoys the gift card for him to take his girl friend to dinner. The hairdresser, especially when she fits me in during this hectic season would enjoy a nicer tip as well. Sometimes it’s difficult to catch the UPS guy but these folks work so hard during this season. It is nice to have some gift cards ready to just show your appreciation. This is also a wonderful time to Pay it Forward. We have had our Chic Filet pickup dinner paid by the car in front of us. It is so nice! .
Instead of just rushing through the holidays move through them with a purpose.. to show gratitude and favor on others . That is love in action! And sharing the love in tangible ways spreads the joy of the season and makes for happier community living!
