One morning several years ago I woke up with a crick in my neck. That seemingly insignificant ache, however, became an excruciatingly painful year-long time of agony. The cervical disc that had degenerated in my neck caused blinding headaches, pain that felt like blazing hot irons cascading down my back, and eventually I was unable to work or participate in any of my usual activities.
As time went on and it became increasingly obvious that lying in traction prevented anything but bed-rest, a small army of friends came to the rescue. They set up a schedule to provide meals for our family and even came in to clean the house and do the laundry. Was I grateful? Yes. Was I embarrassed? Yes, mortified. I discovered it truly was better and easier to “give than to receive.”
God took that opportunity to teach me a lesson: Graciously receive and allow people to be blessed because they gave. Since then, I’ve had many opportunities to see that principle put into action, with the same wonderful results.
In this holiday season, we are reminded, probably more than on any other occasion, to give. And as we do so, we are the ones who receive. As one HCC volunteer exclaimed, “giving makes me feel alive!” Always, when we give of our time, our money, our talents, we are the better for it.
This is also an appropriate time to ask: Are you giving to yourself? Do you take care to provide balance in the areas of spiritual, physical, relationships and work? Airline attendants announce, “If this airplane unexpectedly loses altitude for any reason, an oxygen mask will drop down. If you’re traveling with a small child, be sure to put your oxygen mask on first before taking care of your child.” That might sound counter-productive to a parent, but you’re no good to that child if you’re passed out on the floor because of lack of oxygen.
The same holds true if you’re avoiding, denying or setting aside your need for healing of past hurts, dealing with a troubled relationship or delaying learning needed new skills. When you give to yourself to become a healthier you, you are better equipped to give to others and experience passion, fulfillment and blessings.
Why do we give? I can tell you by first-hand experience – it’s because when we follow God’s principles to give, we see Him work miracles in our lives as well as those whom you touch with a gift.
Barbra Russell
Director, Counseling Ministries
