Giving

“You carry so much love in your heart. Give some to yourself.” - R.Z.

In honor of Christmas I wanted to write to you about giving. Not giving in the sense of gifts or donations or love as we are known to do for the season. It’s called the season of giving for a reason. But I mean giving in the sense of us. We give of ourselves to others and sometimes we don’t see a limit. We give so much battling stress we are mentally and emotionally exhausted. We give so much and so often we start to get resentful. Then the giving we are doing becomes a chore and the person or project becomes an annoyance. It’s no longer the giving that God is expecting of us. However, it feels like we are trapped because if we don’t give then we are terrible people. But if we keep giving we feel terrible for how we feel. So I have one thing to say. Treat yourself!

Hear me out because I can hear your mind already saying well that’s selfish. Consider it more self care. You are already an amazing person for wanting to give from your heart to begin with. Think of yourself like a car. You’re going and going and dropping off and picking up and carrying etc. but at some point fuel is going to have to go into that vehicle. Self care is that fuel. It’s the blessing that goes in us that we then multiply and share with others. We are amazing vessels that God chose to spread his love through. You’re giving of yourself to your friends. Let them give back to you. You pour your heart and soul to those kids or that poor family or to the homeless. They themselves want to reward you. With hugs and gratitude and thankfulness. Something to note.

Allow others to give you love so as to not block their blessing.

We are only selfish if we are thinking of ourselves continuously. Taking a moment for yourself is important to give more back again. Balance is super important. As they say, too much of one thing is good for nothing. Giving with a resentful heart goes against the point. ‘So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.’ (2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV). Telling yourself over and over you are doing this because you want to convinces your brain but not your heart. That’s where the truth lies. 

Giving is important. If the whole world gave a piece of itself it would be a beautiful place to be. Giving a lot of yourself is a beautiful sacrifice. Giving too much of yourself is a border we must be careful not to cross. We must stay cheerful with our giving. We must stay in love. So if you feel yourself complaining or sighing or getting upset or angry, pause, step away and treat yourself. You need a break to get back into gear again. The treat can be anything from a good nap, a quiet read, a good massage, getting nails or hair done, good food, some sweet chocolate to just hugs from a loved one, or lunch with a friend. Whatever gets you joyful and happy again. I want you walking away with excitement for your next give.