LOVABLENESS: Giving

As a child I dreaded Christmas because I was sure I would be disappointed. Don’t get me wrong. My parents were loving. My sisters and brother were happy at Christmas. A buoyant spirit filled our house on Christmas mornings. I was sure beforehand, though, that I would not get the things that would make me happy. Looking back I see how hard my parents tried to please all of us. The problem was me. I became my own focus and others did not matter. Those were the worst of my Christmases.
My Christmases got more interesting and exciting as I learned the meaning of the words of Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The more I spent time thinking about how I could give something or do something for others at Christmas, the more exciting Christmas became. There’s a deep satisfaction in seeing others’ eyes light up at Christmas. And think about what others think of us when we give to them. Giving is a superb way to become more loveable.