from our publisher & editor
I have found that among its other benefits, giving
liberates the soul of the giver. ~ Maya Angelou
It’s easy to run full steam ahead through your
to-do list this time of year. And that’s precisely
why it’s even more important to slow down
and reflect upon what makes the holidays
meaningful.
For me, last year’s reflection was all about the
little things… and how they actually turn out
to be the ones you remember far more clearly
than getting the toy you wanted for Christmas
or how clean Aunt Susie’s house was for the
holiday party.
This year, with our family in the middle of a
700-mile move, my mind is increasingly more
focused on Maya Angelou’s words above about
the liberation of giving.
As a child, it was something that happened
organically. I spent a great deal of time with
my grandmother, and she gave all year round.
From making dolls for charity or quilts for
church raffles, to sending us down the street
with a plate of food for an elderly friend – she
was a living example of one of her favorite
sayings, “You can’t outgive God.”
During the holidays, my parents were part of
a small group that delivered meals to families
in need. One of my favorite memories is of my
mom choosing a family from our church to buy
gifts for, and how we spent hours thinking up
ways to sneak the gifts to them on Christmas
Eve.
Thinking back to these events, it’s a reminder
that it just feels good to give. Not for the tax
deduction. Not because someone expects it.
But because you chose to share your blessings
with someone else. So this year, if you’re
looking for charitable inspiration, you’ll love
our “Good for Goodness Sake” article filled with
ideas on giving back (p. 54).
Giving from the heart means sharing more than
just money or things. Your time, passion, talent,
and spirit can be even more valuable than
sharing the contents of your wallet.
And when you get that warm, satisfied feeling in
your heart, enjoy every moment of it.
Happy Holidays!
-Amity
7