Gifts

Sometimes I wonder if we realize how many times we receive a gift, yet don’t realize it as such.

We are given a gift every single day when we wake up. Throughout each day we receive more gifts. A hug from a child, a smile from someone we pass on the street, a telephone call from a friend inviting us to lunch, a greeting card, a compliment on what we are wearing or something we’ve done or made. The list is endless.

Do you ever think of a family dinner as a gift? It is. One of the best gifts there is. To be together with our parents, brothers and sisters. And for children, that they are able to spend time with their grandparents and aunts and uncles.

There are a lot of things we don’t think of as a gift. Such as being able to do the simplest of tasks -- getting dressed each day, sweeping the floor, doing the dishes, making the bed. Many people aren’t capable of doing those things because of health conditions.

One of the gifts we receive each day, we are probably unaware of as a gift, is the opportunity each day to give gifts. Going to see a family member or friend who is ill and taking them a meal. Or perhaps doing something in their house to help them.

And what about taking time to volunteer at the local food bank, or at a hospital or nursing home or school. There are alot of organizations who can always use new members. Organizations that do a great deal of community service. Without volunteers there are many events that wouldn’t take place. And a lot of organizations that wouldn’t be able to carry out their humanitarian work.

So take a moment or two to think of all the gifts you receive in a day and how many gifts you give to others.