Only one more week until Christmas! Do you feel
ready? Are you filled with anticipation of what’s to come? Or are you stressed
out about last-minute shopping and what to buy for that hard-to-buy friend or
parents who have everything they need?
It’s crazy, isn’t it? How much focus is put on
purchasing large quantities of gifts—or items that don’t fit budgets? My
husband shakes his head at the number of car commercials, asking if companies
really expect people to buy new SUVs to put under the tree. I worked for a
high-end dealership for a number of years, so I can attest to the fact that people
do purchase cars, attach humongous bows on top, and gift them to family members
this time of year.
Don’t get me wrong! We experience a great deal of joy in finding treasures for
the grandchildren to put under the Christmas tree. Who doesn’t have a big soft spot for their
grandkids? But the adults in our family have gone in a different direction concerning each
other and focus more on spending time together.
Certainly, there are people within our families and
communities who really need tangible items to make their lives easier. If we’re
able to give, it’s important to share what we can. But sometimes, even what we deem small and insignificant
can make a difference in lives. Sometimes . . . mere words of encouragement
when most needed can feel like a wonderful present covered with shiny gold paper.
At the end of the day, it’s not about what you have
or even what you’ve accomplished … It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve
made better. It’s about what you’ve given back. ~ Denzel Washington
I’m grateful for what the writing community has
given me. Through the years, authors have mentored, encouraged, and prayed for
me. In return, I try to give back to others in those same ways. I’ve been
able to see my dreams come to fruition—and it’s my hope that I can watch others
experience the same.
But, what about you? Is there someone in your life
who is pursuing a dream and could use a little encouragement? A bit of
mentoring? Even a prayer? Is there some way you could help that person get a
step closer to accomplishing desired goals? What a wonderful Christmas gift
that might be for someone struggling.
However, this type of gifting doesn’t have to be
associated with a career. You might know parents who are simply dreaming about the ability to plan a date night without worrying
about finding and paying a good babysitter. So, how are you with handling a
toddler?
Who
needs your words of encouragement today? Who can you help accomplish a dream?
Dawn
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