#47: Blessing Others During the Holiday Season

Any time of year the old adage, “it is more blessed to give than to receive” holds true. However, during the holiday season, it can hold a much deeper meaning. If you reflect back upon ways, you have been blessed, you might also look ahead and think about how you too can bless others. There are many ways to give, and I invite you to consider how you can give in a personal way. 
 
Over the years I have sought to give back in different ways. Feeding others is a great way to support people struggling. I have served food to the homeless, as well as dropped groceries and gifts on porches of families I knew who were going through a tough time. With inflation as high as it is, I can almost guarantee there is someone you know struggling to feed their families. Another population that I support during this time of year, is families of incarcerated parents. While many consider giving to the homeless or foster children (all noble causes) one that often flies under the radar for receiving support is this one. I give to Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree, which provides gifts to kids on behalf of their incarcerated parents. 
 
Is there a cause that is personal to you that you’d like to volunteer for? Can you research and find a way to connect with those struggling in your community and help in some way? Maybe you could make dinner for a single mom, support a neighbor whose husband is deployed, or a family who just had a baby. You could adopt a family, or even consider if there is a friend, family member or co-worker struggling a little more than normal that you could aid in some way? 
 
No matter what your definition of giving is (time, gifts, money, love, words of encouragement, compassion), it is important to remember that YOU can help spread holiday cheer and bring joy to others. 
 
Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.” -Ruth Carter Stapleton
 
Until Next Monday…