The Paradox of Giving..a Christmas wish...

[jackhammer91406]

 

It is around this time of year amidst the crass commercialism of the season, that I am reminded that there is a reason this season is the one of gift giving. Of course it has nothing to do with stores sales, the bombardment of ads on TV, or the constant visuals of lights, colors and bows.

 

I am talking about the paradox of giving, but why is it a paradox?

 

Giving is done without any expectation of return. It is not done for:

recognition

repayment

thanks

or return.

 

Giving done with any of the above isn’t really giving, it’s more like loaning.

 

Shakespeare understood it. In ROMEO AND JULIET there is a scene in which Juliet says;

My bounty is as boundless as the sea,

My love as deep. The more I give to thee,

The more I have, for both are infinite.

 

I have found over the course of my life that the more I give, the more I seem to get. I have been very blessed in my life with people who have treated me with such unbelievable kindness and care.

 

I was watching the St Olafs Choir Special on PBS tonight and they sang a mash-up of Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming and the Rose. I was taken with the lyric from the song The Rose which says;

It’s the one that won’t be taken, that never seems to give.

 

If I could give something to each person here, it would be that you would be as blessed as I have been by the people who run, visit and post at this message center and that you and your family or ones close to you experience all of the true joy and happiness of a life filled with the real gifts of the season.

[+ imagooddog]

That is a beautiful sentiment. And I wish you all the happiness for a wonderful holiday season and new year !!

[+ Funguy]

"If I could give something to each person here, it would be that you would be as blessed as I have been by the people who run, visit and post at this message center and that you and your family or ones close to you experience all of the true joy and happiness of a life filled with the real gifts of the season."

 

Jackhammer…..you did just give each person here a gift.

 

Have a wonderful holiday season and an upcoming new year of health, happiness, and joy.