Gifts of one who loved me, 'Twas high time they came; When he ceased to love me, Time they stopped for shame.
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote that back in 1844 and also wrote, "It is said that the world is in a state of bankruptcy, that the world owes the world more than the world can pay, and ought to go into chancery, and be sold. I do not think this general insolvency, which involves in some sort all the population, to be the reason of the difficulty experienced at Christmas and New Year, and other times, in bestowing gifts; since it is always so pleasant to be generous, though very vexatious to pay debts."
Mr. Emerson is writing about being generous in your giving to others.
He also laments in his writings just how difficult it is to choose the right ones to give to. I like to think that the act of being generous to another person is more important then the gift itself. Just don't think that it means you are to be cheap and meaningless in the gift.
The act of trying to find the right gift means that you do care.
The same can be said of your dealing with people you do not know. The grocery clerk, the waitress or one of the many people you come in contact with on a daily basis becomes a chance to bestow a gift of something. It could be a kind word or a smile, saying thank you and simply being pleasant to them.
In hard economic times, people are struggling to make ends meet. Those on the lower end of the pay scales are finding it even more difficult. In example the waitress or waiter scrambling to get your meal to you and trying to keep your drink cup filled, has bills, concerns and dreams of making a life for themselves.
A decent monetary tip is good to give, especially if you have the means to do so.
An extra dollar or two may not seem like a lot, but it can brighten the day of someone.
Having a generous heart is not all that difficult. Helping others through kindness and generosity is an expression of your heart for others.
Allow it to shine upon others. Stay inspired my friends.
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