Here we are a few days before Christmas already into Hanukkah. We at this time have an obligation, we all do, so what is our obligation? The TV sets are screaming for sales, the shopping malls are decorated and the outside trees are lightened. Evergreen as well as palm trees, all around the world in every climate, warm tropics and/or the cool Midwest. Where are you? What is it that you can do, no matter where you live to fulfill your obligation this season?
To give money? To give a gift? To send a friendly email, to mail a greetings card? To donate to your favorite cause? To donate scarves and gloves? To give to a food pantry. To stop on the street and give money to a beggar? Or is this going too far? He washes your car windshield and then asks for money. Do we ignore this or could we reciprocate? Just coming back from a store, have a loaf of bread you can spare? Give it to this beggar if you need to know he will eat and not spend the money on alcohol.
Decorate your homes, install colored lights and paper cut outs with seasonal designs, try to observe the cheer of this season and not feel overwhelmed. Whatever religion you practice, this is the time to worship and give to those who need it.
Is there a non-profit organization asking for your donations? You can give online, simple and easy, just a click of your computer mouse away, to send a donation through cyberspace straight out of your bank account.
Is there a family member who you could assist? An elderly or a baby? Do you have coworkers in your workplace who would love it if you gave them a box of chocolates?
Obligations? Yes, now we know what they are. If you can give anonymously, and not need a reward, this is the purest and best way to give, not to cause your gift recipient shame because he cannot reciprocate.
Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza: all around the greatness of this wonderful wide world. Give and receive, ask and tell.
To feel the goodness and love of those who can take from you and from those who give to you.
No comments:
Post a Comment