What are you giving for Christmas this year?
Each year there’s an “it” gift that everyone seems to want, yet it’s often hard to find. Remember Tickle-Me Elmo? That was creepy.
As in economics, so in life… scarcity plus desirability equals value. High value. If you want an “it” gift bad enough, you may be willing to look high and low…and pay someone more than top dollar to acquire it.
Here are some gifts that are both rare and desired by many. See which ones you can be thankful you’ve received and which ones are so rare that only you can give:
The gift of freedom. Unless you’re a soldier or the family member of one, your freedom has cost you precious little. Yet countless people from around the world clamor to gain the freedom we can take for granted. Be thankful you’re free.
The gift of contribution. Many of our societal problems would be instantly solved if everyone was suddenly allowed and required to make a contribution. It’s more than just work – it’s work with meaning. You rarely find a happy person who isn’t making a real contribution to someone, somewhere, somehow. We’re just made to be that way. I believe there is a unique contribution to this life only you were created to complete. Find it. Do it.
The gift for forgiveness. Life is so short. But not so short that most of us have not had our toes stepped on, our sensibilities insulted or our good motives questioned. Keeping score is easy to do, but very expensive in the long run. Don’t take abuse, but on the other hand don’t hold a grudge. Failure to forgive is corrosive to your soul. Let it go. Forgive.
If this season stands for anything, it stands for One who came to offer forgiveness. Maybe we ought go and do likewise.
The gift of gratitude. You know what you call a free person who is making a real contribution in life who keeps short accounts with others? That would be known as a happy person. You might even say one filled with gratitude.
Gratitude is one of those funny things that just seems to grow the more we share it. The more we give it away.
This is the perfect time of year to express your gratitude…gratitude to God, to loved ones, to strangers who extend small kindnesses. Gratitude can’t help but splash back on you, covering you with the refreshing mist of contentment. Give some gratitude. Get a lot more back.
Well, that’s a start on my wish list. What gift are you going to give this year…that only you can give?
