Gifts of Self

So easy to let the hustle and bustle of the season get us all stressed. I am finding a bit of stress myself just thinking as a newly retired person that things are not what they once were. We have to watch finances carefully.

There are ways to give without going deep in debt. I happened onto a quote that I really like. I discovered that Oren Arnold was a novelist, journalist and humorist born in 1900 in Minden, Texas.

“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” ~Oren Arnold

Aren’t those just the best ideas for gifts? Think on each of them. They are all so available and  most cost very little. Some don’t cost anything but putting pride behind us and doing what we know is right. Forgiveness is a gift that releases not only the one held captive but the giver. Bitterness falls away and allows us to start anew.

My second favorite would be walking as an example before the children in our life. Children are like sponges. They soak up what they come in contact with. We need them to be subjected to good. It is imperative that we show them the love of Christ. We can ease their mind that even in their darkest days God is present in their situation as He has been in ours.  We must lead them to Jesus. We cannot let the world take them and lead them to a godless life.

Then respect for ourselves. We walk in a temple. We are called to be holy. We are created by the potters hands for special work.  We are daughters and sons of the most high King. We are royalty.

I Thessalonians 4:4
that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor…(NKJV)

Thought For Today:
Let us look for the opportunities to give the gifts of time, love, kindness, and warmth. Let your light shine this season as an example of Christ’s love and compassion.

Scripture For Today:
Acts 20:35
35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’. (NKJV)

Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! Teach us to look for the ways we can gift those around us Father. Show us those things that cost nothing but an investment of our time, our love, our smile. Father, enable us to be examples of Christ’s love to our children. We pray that our light will shine brighter, especially during this season of celebration. Father, a special request for healing of those who have illness,  recovering from surgery and sorrow in their lives tonight.  You know who they are and where they are. Touch them now Father. In Jesus’ name. Amen.