Tis the season to give generously and receive graciously. I believe the first part of that statement is pretty straight forward. Even what may seem small to you, may feel like the world to the person you're giving it to. We don't really know the struggles each of our friends and family face. We may think we know, but really does everyone really divulge the hard ugly truths all of the time? It shows that we were thinking of them.
The second part of that statement might seem weird. Of course I'm thankful and grateful for whatever someone may give me, you may be thinking. Or perhaps it isn't the right gift and you feel like you were so clear on what you had asked for. Instead of getting caught up in the item, perhaps look at the connection that could be between you and the giver. I had a friend today say, "I bought you a gift, I really hope you like it". I told her she could have gotten me a piece of poop and I would thank her for the fertilizer. It's not the gift that makes our friendship, it's our connection.
When we give we actually receive at the same time. We receive that feeling of happiness when we see the recipient happy with the gift we have chosen for them. When you show you don't like the gift someone gave you it can cause feelings of rejection in their heart. So even if you don't love the gift, receive it graciously. "Thank you so much for thinking of me". Having a grateful and gracious receiving heart will take us a long way.
Happy Holidays,
Michelle
