What does it mean to give? What is the Gift in Giving?
One of my earliest memories of feeling the impact of someone else's generosity is when I was five years old; I was in first grade.
My teacher, Mrs. Billups, brought a big bag of clothes to school for me. There were dresses, a pair of shiny black shoes, and many other items that I really needed. And then again in second grade, my teacher, Miss Hatton, bought me new pajamas, a robe, and a pair of slippers along with a brand new box of crayons and a coloring book for my upcoming stay at the hospital.
As number eight of nine kids, I wasn't accustomed to having brand new things. And I never imagined I would have my very own crayons and coloring book …let alone "house slippers"! And I loved the softness of my new robe. I felt like a princess all dolled up in my new stuff—even if it was because I had to get my tonsils out!
Throughout my school years there were a few teachers who really made an impression on me through their willingness and choice to give—to give to a child they saw in need. It made me feel special and I dare to consider not having these memories as they are indeed some of my fondest memories of feeling loved.
Not until I became an adult and reflected back did I really begin to understand the power of their choice to give—you see, they didn’t have to, but they did.
I believe lots of people reach out to others and help in a number of ways when they can, but often times people feel that they have nothing to offer, nothing "extra" to give. But, no matter one’s circumstances, we all have something to give. It could be a quiet "random act of kindness" or simply donating clothing or food to a charity. Or it could be through volunteering one’s time, which I believe is one of the most powerful and rewarding methods of giving—both for the recipient as well as for the person giving their time.
For example, many years ago I started working as a volunteer ski instructor for people with disabilities. I chose this organization for a couple of reasons: growing up with a younger sister with profound disabilities, confined to a wheelchair and bed—along with my love for skiing— made this the perfect fit for me. Not only was I quite comfortable around those with disability, but I could get outside and play with them! …something I could never do with my little sister.
For many students, the programs offered through this organization are their only chance to get outside. It is a chance for these people who have some physical or mental challenge to do things they never imagined or gave up hope on long ago. It is a chance for them to gain a sense of independence and know that despite their challenges they are indeed very "able" to get out there and slide on snow just like everybody else!
For instance, I had a student years ago, named Brandon, who had cerebral palsy. He skied with my husband, Bill, also a volunteer ski instructor, and me for a few years. The last year before he and his family moved to the east coast, we asked Brandon, what is your goal for this ski season? He said I want to ski with my family. Brandon’s family would drop him off for his lessons and head out to the mountain for their own skiing and although he would see them out on the mountain he longed to ski "with" them. We worked with him for many weeks and his family would sometimes join us for a run or two. Eventually, though, Brandon began skiing more in control without so much coaching and by the end of the season he was indeed skiing down the hill with his mom, dad, and older brother! …without his instructors! His hard work and determination had paid off!
Another student, Joe, had been hit by a car in his mid-twenties while training for a triathlon and was paralyzed from his waist down. Joe was the perfect candidate for what's called a mono-ski; it looks like chair, of sorts, with a single ski attached on the bottom. He was paired up with my husband so I got to hear about the progress.
Although Joe had remained active since his accident, he was a bit nervous of sliding down a slippery mountain slope in this chair-like contraption! But, through a lot of hard work, frustration, and ton of courage, Joe mastered the mono-ski. To my husband, Joe was another successful student who persevered to do something he didn’t think he could do. Bill, as usual, very honored to be a part of it. But, not until we ran into Joe at a fundraising event for the organization did Bill really understand the impact this experience had on Joe’s life. I stood there and witnessed two grown men exchanging some level of non-dude-like connection; it was as if their souls were touching. It was something I can only name as love. Joe told Bill how the skiing experience changed his life and he couldn’t thank him enough. My husband was quite taken aback with emotion. Feeling the impact he’d had on someone else’s life—doing something he enjoyed. He simply skied with another guy …and helped him learn along the way.
Being a volunteer is a commitment and in some ways requires more dedication than a regular job. But there are so many other ways to give which require less time, are equally important and often life-changing for people.
I believe we are all connected on a soul level—breathing from the same source of energy, called spirit. The spirit in me is the spirit in you. How can we not feel connected!?!
Each of us has our own way of expressing unique talents in this world. Even if there are hundreds or even thousands of other people who do what you do or know what you know, there is no one else who can do it quite like you. And I believe there is someone (on a soul level) out there waiting and hoping to find you, each of us. Once you make yourself available the universe has a way of bringing you in alignment with this person or group of people who need what you have. All you need to do is show up!
Each human is born beautiful, loving, and caring—and each has a natural desire to reach out and help others. For most of us, though, we lose this part of ourselves somewhere along the way in the struggles of life. But, if we can find our way back and remember the power of love through giving it is a way to renew and connect to our souls and the souls others …of someone in need.
So, what is the “gift of giving”? The gift is in knowing you reached out and made a difference in someone else’s life. The gift is all the opportunities to meet new people and hear their stories and experience something that the average everyday life doesn’t offer. The gift is feeling connected at the heart of something, someone. The "gift of giving" is in exchanging this connection with someone else.
So, how can you know the gift of giving? Could it be the simple act of holding the door for someone, giving a smile, or sending your blessings? Or, is it through volunteering?
It doesn’t really matter what you give. What does matter is knowing that you do in fact have something to give …and within the mere giving, lay the gift.
So, what is the gift in giving? You ….are the gift.
Who will open your gift today?
