By Rose Osete-Lee
Gifts never fail to put a smile on my face. It is just so exciting to open them and discover what’s inside. Gifts are synonymous with the holiday season.
In the past, I gave gifts because it was expected of me. I attended the wedding of a business friend a few years ago, and I gave cash as gift. I had difficulty deciding on the amount because I felt obliged to give a certain amount due to our business relationship. I was concerned about what my friend would think about me and so, I have a five figure cash gift. I know my friend was pleased. However, it would have been more meaningful to me if I had given for the right reason.
It was not until I personally experienced being in need that I felt the essence of giving with the heart. I realized then that I am only an instrument, blessed to be a blessing to others. From that time on, I have considered gifts of any form as a blessing from God.
Now, I pray before I give. I try to understand the need of the person and I listen to God in my prayer. It also helps to ask my receivers about their particular need. I am sensitive to changing events in their lives and their prayer requests. The vocation, profession and passion of the receivers also indicate their needs.
Last year, I gave my time as a gift to a friend in need. I voluntarily offered my consulting services for three months. I did not expect anything in return but God blessed me and my family in a lot of ways.
As a receiver, I felt so amazed each time I received the gifts that I need without me ever mentioning my need – a reading lamp, a coffee mug, a traveler’s notebook, a devotional book, and many more things that I wished for in my heart.
The Lord loves a cheerful giver and the act of giving is not based on the value of the gift, but on the sincerity of the heart. I am reminded that whatever I do for my brethren, I am doing it for the Lord. Whatever form of gift that you give, whether it be cash or in kind, let it be given with the heart.
