The gift and the thought

What does it mean to give of yourself? Do you give money or time? Perhaps you impart knowledge or just provide support. Whatever a person gives, their dearest wish is that it be appreciated.

It is not the gift, but the thought that counts. But how often do we really think about what we give? Conversely, how often do we really ponder what we have received? Human beings tend to love the praise garnered from giving, but tend not to appreciate what they have been given.

A penny may seem like a cheap gift, but if that is all a person has it becomes precious indeed. Any decent person would refuse it, or seek to reward the one who gave it. The price tag does not matter: true giving comes from the heart.

It is not good to be overly generous. Either that person will be taken advantage of, or they are trying to gain advantage with their contributions. If you are posing for the camera, chances are your real gift is to yourself.

If no one knows, your motives are more likely to be genuine. If someone discovers what you have done, a simple ‘thank you’ should suffice. It is too easy to succumb to vainglory. Guard against it at all costs.

When the gift is unappreciated, it is best to move on. Not everyone will be grateful, and few will return a favor. But there are those jewels among humanity who will think about what they have received and seek to give back in full measure.