Gifts

As a Christian, this is one subject I could easily bring up the gift of Christ, but that seems to be such a turn off for some, so I will reframe from making this a religious story, and just cover the events in one of my recent weeks.

As a person geared more to things of old, like typewriters, instead of computers, I have been kind of slow coming into the 21st century. This all changed 6 months ago, believe it or not, due to a typewriter, but I will save that story for another time.

A few weeks ago I met a young person in one of the forums I now frequent, who was stressing about the need of a typewriter, but no funds. I had an extra typewriter which was in great shape, a fresh ribbon, with its only flaw being a color I hadn’t fallen in love with. Since it was given to me, the only proper thing to do was to give it to someone else who wanted it. I thought I had found this person, and even offered to pay for the shipping.

Over the course of a week, and many emails, I was left with no real decision of acceptance (no address given to send it), or declining. I even gave references of character, with phone numbers to easily check, including my local sheriff, whom I have worked for. Personally I would have accepted a yes or no, without problem, but the wishy, washy, undecidedness took the joy right out of the giving.

This brings me to the very next week. Through another forum discussing keyboards, I asked about availability of a special two piece keyboard for my wife. A couple of quick responses helped me find just what my wife needed. I thanked them very much for the info, and mentioned we are now saving up for one. I then took a couple of days off from the computer, to finish typing out my book (hopefully coming out this fall). Yes, I know shameless plug.

When I got back to check my email, I found one from a gentleman on the forum for keyboards wondering if I had seen his post. In short, he wanted to donate the money for a keyboard for my wife. I was surprised, and flabbergasted, to say the least. I didn’t even know this person, and not being one who has never received a gift from a stranger, I didn’t know what to do. Normally I am the one doing the giving, but if I was to learn anything from the previous week, I had a decision to make.

I politely, humbly, and with great thanks, accepted his gift. I didn’t accept just for my wife and mine’s sake, but also for the person giving us the gift. You see when the other person didn’t except my gift, two people missed out on its joy, them and me. I find great joy in giving, and that was taken away from me.

If you ever want to have fun during Christmas time, or any time, pay for the person’s stuff in the checkout line before you. Or if you want to double the fun, give the money to the checkout person, and let them decide whose stuff it should be used for. You both get the gift of giving. Something tells me, if more found the joy of giving, there would be less need in the world.