Is it better to give than to receive?

Yes.

The inner warmth and joy that comes from giving is truly a wonderful feeling. And the less we think of why we give the better…just do…follow Yoda’s advice.

There is a balming effect to giving. When you give something truly from the heart it is as if a blanket of goodness envelops you that no one can take away.

In my youth I wrestled a great deal about giving charity (the street kind of charity,) especially after reading Nietzsche’s views on what a beggar does with what charity you do give. These day’s it is very easy to say that if you give charity to someone on the street, they will turn-around and use it for ill. Frankly I have now gotten over that. If there is an infinitesimal chance that I can help a person, maybe, just maybe give them a glimmer of hope…you know, I’ll take my chances. For even though the choices of people on the street might be wrong, I still think I am better off than they are, and I thank God.

In this Holiday season more so than at other times, we should marvel at our ability to become more empathic, more understanding, a bit more quiet (as in being a better listener.) Don’t rush through things, don’t get caught up in the “have to’s” and “must’s.” Give the best gift you can, give of yourself.

Then the magic of the Holiday’s will really be with you and in your heart,
JJ

PS…however I do love shiny things in small packages…ugh…did I have to go say that?