Giving

Shopping for gifts has become as much of a reality during Advent as hearing the prophets Isaiah or John the Baptist describe the coming of the Messiah. This year in particular, shopping is perhaps taking more than its usual amount of time and energy as we husband our dollars or search for the greatest bargain. Behind all this, there must first of all be be a giving on a higher plane: a universal giving...to ALL...of our prayers, our time, ourselves, our love, our thoughts. No cost here, just the effort. If we recall, this is how God gives, as the sun shines on the good and the bad. Freely have we received, freely then should we give, especially to those most in need, the ones that God brings to us. Dozens of people cross our paths daily, some we are close to, some just acquaintances; let there be no borders, no limits to govern our giving. Give to ALL. Everyone has some need. Some ask for prayers; some, by their actions show they need affirmation. All of us need love. Let us make a conscious effort today not only to be Givers, but GREAT GIVERS and thus more closely resemble our Father in Heaven.
And yes, I can't end without a reference to the 68th anniversary of the infamous attack on Peral Harbor. Let us remember those whose lives were lost, those who were maimed, and those who GAVE so much, loved ones, lives, huge sacrifices in the ensuing years to protect our country and the world. May our daily giving, our little acts of love help bring the peace that still eludes us.
Bro. Rene