It's better to give than receive

It’s better to give than receive.

It is easy to wrap ourselves up in the holiday stress. What are we going to give, what are we going to get? For as much joy as it can bring, Christmas is stressful for many, and stress wreaks havoc on our entire system. So, how do we try and reduce the never-ending list of to-dos’ this season? I start with service. To be of service teaches us grace, and when we come from grace there is no room for stress. Service costs nothing but our time, and the reward is immeasurable. There are so many ways we can be of service without having us search for extra time in our hectic schedules. One of the ways I partake is simply inviting those, who would otherwise be alone at Christmas, a seat at our table. So many are without family. I grew up with my mum and sister, our extended family was no where close. That get’s pretty lonely. Our neighbours, Marcy and Jake, lived in a small single wide trailer two doors up, and they didn’t have a lot, but they had love and kindness. Each year their 4 children and their families would squeeze into their place to celebrate the season. Each year their home was also host to a few more people. She always opened her home to anyone that would find themselves alone during Christmas. Our family of three and the little retired couple down the street, would often be squeezed in to share in the joy. She always said it’s hard to stress about what you don’t have when others have less, and it cost nothing to be kind. Setting out a few more plates, wasn’t a big deal, but that one simple act meant the world to us and made our holidays that much warmer. I have never forgotten that kindness and it is the one tradition that I keep. We never know the impact of one small kind act, but I certainly know the reward. To me, that is the true meaning of ‘it is better to give than receive.’