Day 19. Three Thoughts Related to Giving

! * ! ONE ! * !

There was a knock at the door the other evening, and our neighbour was standing there with this tray in her hands. Wow! A cinnamon bun Christmas wreath. She had just baked it. Yum! Yum!

Was she one of the neighbours I'd given a lemon loaf earlier, asked a Facebook friend. Yes, yes, she was. How sweet is that ... reaching out and suddenly being the recipient of blessing as well. It's such a lovely circle, for as St. Francis of Assisi once said, it is in giving that we receive. 

  

! * ! TWO ! * !

You may recall in my recent 'being neighbourly' post, I mentioned wanting to meet the family of the sweet orange kitty who comes to visit us. Christmas seems to be a good time to reach past what we feel are uncomfortable barriers the rest of the year. At least, that's how I find it.

I went to meet them last night -- I knew they were home because their house was all aglow with Christmas lights. After introducing myself and clarifying that they indeed were the family of Orange Kitty, I told them how much we love when she comes to visit us and that we wanted to give her a little present, and some chocolate for them. Lovely people, as it turns out, and I wonder why I felt so shy to meet them before. The common link of loving our furry friends certainly helped to melt any awkwardness. Now we know who lives in that house and we know kitty's name is Ziggy (happy face here).

! * ! THREE ! * !

The other day, my blogging friend, Susan, asked the question on her blog: "Do you open holiday presents right away when you receive them or wait until Christmas?"

My answer? I like to open presents when I receive them. I find there is something special about receiving and opening the gift in the giver's presence. I appreciate it when people open the presents I give them when I am with them, and not have them wait until another day. For me, there is something wondrous in that moment when the giving and receiving 'transaction' is completed and hearts are united.

So, what about you? Do you open presents right away or wait?

* * *

"Christmas!
'Tis the season for kindling

the fire of hospitality in the hall,

the genial flame of charity in the heart."

–Washington Irving

* * *

Wishing you a beautiful day.

Hugs,

Brenda

xox

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