I read once that gift-giving is the cement of social relationships. A gift may be inspired by sympathetic feelings or feelings of moral obligations or indebtedness to another party. In other instances, a gift is an outward expression of your fondness and love for someone and your desire to strengthen that bond. I have always enjoyed buying gifts for others (Yes, you guessed it: gift-giving is ranked my top love language) but the hubs happens to share a different ‘philosophy, so this is often a point of contention in our marriage.
Coincidentally, yesterday was pledge Sunday at our Church and Pastor shared how gift-giving demonstrates the intimate relationship we share with the recipient way before the occasion for gift-giving arises. We give because we want to bless; not because we want something in return. When a gift is given with the proper attitude, there is a scientific cause-and-effect type of response from the Universe. Just as a rubber ball thrown against a brick wall will bounce back, a gift given with the proper attitude will cause the Universe to give the giver something of value.
In the past week since Dana’s accident, our Facebook pages, mobile phones and emails have been inundated with messages and prayers to speed God’s healing touch on her wound. As if that’s not sufficient, gifts started turning up at our doorstep: Get well cards made by little hands; bouquet of lilies to cheer up the home; cute fluffy soft-toys to add to her collection; challenging kiddy puzzles which she can do with Daddy; fun Art & Craft sets to keep Dana meaningfully engaged and to distract her from the injury. These gifts help to chase the blues away. They encouraged us, knowing that we are surrounded by friends who care; friends who share our ‘pain’ in seeing Dana go through this horrific freak accident. The acts of gift-giving (not the value of the gifts) have inspired us to lead a righteous life, worthy of these blessings which come from God above. We know that Dana will grow up to remember this episode with the consolation that she is well-loved…and for that, we are grateful…
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| Dana says ‘Thank You’ for the gifts! |
Hey Angeline, I sure hope Dana’s feeling better about the whole episode and it’s great to have friends and family who care. Really helps to make the tough times a little easier to bear. So hang in there! =)
Hi Summer, thanks for dropping by to leave a note for Dana. She’s feeling more comfy after the stitches were removed. This morning, she remarked, ‘Mommy, I can move my jaws!” Kids are indeed resilient, we just hope the wound will heal fully without any mishaps. It’s amazing how little acts of generousity and kindness can go such a long way when our friend is in need. Thank God for that.