On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me – 10 gifts from giving,

9 wooden beauties, 8 family trips, 7 Bruins beating Trojans (38-28!), 6 Asian Orbs, 5 manger scenes! 4 major awards, 3 dancing pigs, 2 handmade bells, and a portrait to put on the tree.

A life is enhanced when we give. Sometimes we give money to our favorite charities. And other times, we give of ourselves as volunteers, sharing our time and our talents. However we give, the act itself always refreshes the soul in surprising ways.

On this 10th day… My hope is to take the focus off me and think about the missionaries we support, the places we volunteer, and the people we give to.

More than a tax write-off, giving is a partnership. Whenever I give, I try to remember that I am supporting the receiver. I’m saying, “I believe in you and you’re worth my time and money.” I try to pray for them and pray that the money is used wisely.

The two ornaments shown here were gifts from people we support overseas. They are hand-painted in the country of origin (the Philippines). But even more than reminding me of this part of the world, when I look at these, I also think about the other missionaries, organizations, and people we cheer for.

Truly, I have it easy here. So when I take my eyes off me and onto others, I’m reminded of and humbled by God’s greatness and love.

And the greatest gift of all, we celebrate in 2 days… Emmanuel, God with us, was born.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me – visit here tomorrow to see.