Gifts That Keep On Giving
photo credit: plush-design-studio at unsplash.com
Imagine how our lives would change if we all began giving “invisible” gifts–the kind that are not found in a box. Our presence can mean so much more than mere physical presents.
Here are a few to consider:
- a smile: How many of us think of smiling as a gift? And yet it is one of the most powerful unspoken gifts we can give. Try it out and see for yourself. Not only will you be blessing others, but you will be blessed in return when the other person smiles back.
- eye contact: In general, people don’t look at one another. We don’t connect at the level of spirit. “The eyes are the windows to the soul” is a common adage. Give the gift of eye contact, and you’ll notice a closer and more compassionate connection between you, your family, and your friends.
- silence (especially when you’re aching to speak): What a gift of self this is. Most of us have plenty to say—usually too much when it comes to our spouses and adult children for sure. What if we were to speak less and listen more? Consider what our silence might say to the other person: “I love you.” “I understand you.” “I’m here for you.”
- apology: Now here’s a gift that’s in short supply. Many people are so busy being right or pressing their point that they rarely stop to realize they could be incorrect, insensitive, or ungrateful…at least sometimes. Two of the most powerful words on the planet are “I’m sorry.” I doubt there’s anyone anywhere who wouldn’t appreciate the humble gift of an apology for wrongs committed, hurts planted, anger rooted, neglect fostered.
I’m going to give these gifts all week long and look forward to the outcome.
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).
What a GIFT!
You are right on target again . I really need to work on the “silence “ one .
It was great seeing you. What a wonderful evening of
Music we had.
Thanks, Etta Mae. Yes, so good to see you too on that night of beautiful and inspiring music.
What you wrote is powerful. Thank you for the reminder. I remember when I graduated from high school and they wrote in 20 years Sandy will be smiling at the walls and she’ll expect them to smile back. It took many years to get over the hurt I felt at that insulting comment. However, as the years have passed and I am now 70 I realize that every where I go people often smile back at me even when I don’t think I’m smiling. I understand that the warmth in my smile and eyes is a God given gift. Recently I’ve been hearing the Lord say to listen more than I talk. I’m still working on only giving advice when asked. That’s a hard one for me, but I’m improving (especially with my three adult daughters). Silence is golden. Since I’ve been in 12 step programs for many years I’ve learned (and am still learning) how to look at my part in any situation and to apologize when it’s needed. Thank you again for your great reminders of how to pass on love instead of things.
Thanks, Sandy. I can imagine the hurt you felt but also the way you have transformed your life since then. I’m proud to know you and to be a recipient of your love and friendship.
We’re so blessed to have these blogs, God is awesome in power, and loves us so! Thank you, Karen❤️
Cathy, how wonderful to hear from you and Walter. I count you among my dear friends.
Thanks, Karen for another ‘good one’. I have a reputation for always smiling and my reply is: “a smile improves your face value” and I am sure I have said this in one of your blogs before! It is an easy gift to give and it really does make ‘us’ look better and I mentioned this once before-try it: look in the mirror with your lips closed tight. Study your face. Then put a big smile on your face! surprise!! You will look year younger! It seems like a smile will cause the person you meet smile right back to you.
Apologies make US feel better as well as making the person to whom we are apologizing feel better. These are two things I feel we should always remember.
Love to you and sending you a BIG smile! Margaret
Thanks for your BIG smile, Margaret. I appreciate your encouraging words.
Spot on Karen,
No more be said except, Good insight and job.
God bless you Karen
Jim
Thanks, Jim. GBY over and over.
Great words of wisdom, Karen. We should all incorporate these daily. love, Heidi
Thanks, Heidi. Whenever I think of you or see you in person, I’m reminded of how much you bless others and me with your ready smile.
Thank you Karen for your words today and I so agree with you. I have always lived with a saying I learned back in my teens, Smiles bring Sunshine. One day I was grocery shopping and I came around the corner of an aisle and a lady, about my age (75) was coming my way. I smiled at her and she turned around and thanked me for smiling at her, that I was the first smile she saw that day. She continued to tell me that everyone is always in such a hurry that the forget to smile, of course I agreed with her. That made my day.
Hi Judi. It’s good to hear from you. Thanks for sharing this sweet experience you had with the woman in the store. Isn’t it amazing how far a smile can go to bless even a stranger? Keep smiling. 🙂
(Pause………………..☺️!)
Thanks Karen!
You’re welcome, Beth. Blessings from me to you.