ADVENTure Day 6 –

Christmas morning was a very exciting, but often disappointing time for me growing up.  As you can see from this picture of me and my brother forty years ago (sorry bro), we did not wait long enough to get dressed on Christmas morning.  We sat around the living room as someone distributed the gifts.  We would then open them one at a time to see what we got.  I would be disappointed when I would open a box of clothing and delighted if I got a toy I wanted.  It would have been much better if I had been able to see things as Jesus did.

Acts 20:35b “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When I look at it from that perspective, I find joy in blessing others.  What I get does not take on as much significance.  My level of joy is more dependent upon the effort I put forth in giving than what I receive. 

I will admit that I am still not good at giving.  It does not come naturally.  I recently took an assessment of my love languages and, you guessed it, giving came out near the bottom.  For me it takes extra effort to give with care but it is always worth it. 

Does giving come naturally to you?  Try giving something to those who can give nothing in return this year.  Find an Angel Tree kid to sponsor or give to a needy family.  Take the focus away from what could be given in return. 

Is giving difficult for you?  Take some extra time this year and look past the gift certificates and see how you can bless someone with your thoughtfulness.  If you think someone has too much stuff, try giving an adventure.