Giving

I love Christmas. I think it's the traditions, family making time to see one another, and the amazing food. But it's also the presents. As a child, I was taught that we give and receive gifts to remind us of God's gift to us at Christmas time. There's always so much joy during this exchange. I have only associated it with that particular time of year, but I am starting to see it differently.
I am on day six of a 29 day giving challenge. The rules are simple. Give one gift away each day for 29 days. The gifts can be anything, but it's encouraged that one be something you don't think you can live without. Start each day with a prayer or affirmation to set the tone for your giving. If you miss a day, start over from day one.
Today, I started my day with the affirmation, "Just for today, I will practice patience with those whom it's easy for me to be impatient with." I gave my gift to a co worker, and I found that I felt focused, clear, and truly happy all day. The gift was small, putting away dishes from the night before. My insides felt like Christmas morning.
There's much more I could say, but it's been a long day. Thor is telling me it is time for sleep. I am finding that I have more than I ever imagined, and that life is bigger than dollars and cents. I recommend this challenge to anyone. If you're interested, check out www.29days.org for yourself.
Until next time, happy giving.