Do Gifts Need To Come Wrapped with A Big Bow?

We have all heard the saying "big things come in small packages", but do we truly believe it? It is always the biggest gift under the Christmas tree, or brightly wrapped birthday gift that gets our attention first and keeps us guessing, but would you believe me if I told you that the best gift you will ever receive is not from under a tree and it certainly does not come wrapped with a big bow?

The greatest gift you will ever receive is the joy you experience when you give to someone else.

We have become a society that puts value on what we have, rather than what we have to give. At the end of the day we have become more in debt than ever, more alone and unfulfilled with our lives. Ever seeking the next, newest fad on the market; latest electronic gadget, newest designer outfit...bigger and better is what is best. Once we have these things, we tire of them easily, then on to the next bigger and better thing.

However, when you share with someone a gift of something so little and inexpensive as our time, a helping hand, even a thank you or an understanding hug, we can begin to expand our understanding of empathy and compassion. When we see how our thoughtfulness and consideration helps others, we become better people and that kindness becomes infectious. Other people want to experience the gift of giving because they see the joy it brings in return. When you can experience true joy and appreciation received from others, it reaches a part in your heart that no one can put in a box with a big bow.

I have had the chance to see what giving to others less fortunate has done for my children. They have a unique sense of being and pride that can only be realized when you give to someone who needs support and truly appreciates the kindness extended.

Like all children, they have basic wants and needs, but they do not feel that they deserve or have the right to receive the biggest or best, or that they need to receive a huge number of gifts before they can be happy. Because they have seen, first hand, challenges and sorrows other people have faced and witnessed the emotions of people they have helped, their character has developed into one of caring, empathy and respect. What greater gift is that?