It's better to give than to receive...but

As we approach the last days of October we begin to feel that holiday season is coming near. Every time I report to work at night, I see the twinkling of the Christmas lights giving life to an edifice that was once dull, then there's the countdowns, Christmas songs being played and not to mention shopping malls decorated and dressed up inviting you to be in one with them in an early celebration.

This reminds me of the yearly gift giving we Filipinos observe. Thanking the almighty for the blessings we received. Hmmm hold on, Christmas is not what I intend to write on this entry. This season just reminds me of the adage we've grown hearing "It's better to give than to receive". Yes, that's what I really want to write about. Sorry, if I swerved a little bit. It's intentional though to give you a little twist. hehehe



Now going back, I find this true most of the time, the adage that is. Because it means that you (as a giver) have sufficient or that there's enough blessing to enjoy and to celebrate. I can also say that giving is a privilege, given the fact that you become a blessing to those who receives. Because out of your hard work, you have something in you to keep the day and even the next day going, without any fear.

Giving is not limited to tangible things as it can be manifested on other ways such as giving your friendship, giving your unconditional love or just about giving a hand to someone in need. When we hear giving, we mostly associate it to financial stuff. We can't blame anyone for that. I think its how our culture shaped us. One thing I've proven is that when you give, the flow of the blessing becomes abundant, especially if it's done the right way. Yes, there is wrong and there's proper way. Therefore, we got to be cautious because we want to prevent getting trapped on pitfalls.

You probably may ask what pitfall? Here's a thing, we can't deny the fact that we live in a third world country. And for some, day to day life is becoming a survival of the fittest. There are reasons why some people live like this; that's because their actions choose to be on that direction or that it's the consequence of the actions they've done.



Giving doesn't stop the moment you hand it over. We also have the responsibility to make the person understand how he can make what he received flourish. Or at least make'em understand it's value, that it was from your sweat and blood or that you have deprived yourself of something (that you want) just to help them on that need (not in a condescending way of course). Don't just give them fish, teach them how to fish. And saying "NO" at times doesn't make you a bad or a selfish person. Because once this became a habit, it can be physically, psychologically, emotionally and spiritually draining. You're putting yourself in a pit, especially if the person receiving doesn't have any compassion and are just after of what they can get.

I'd like to leave my final note something worth to ponder. This was taken from the bible in which most of us use to make our lives worth living. "If a man will not work, he shall not eat." 2 Thessalonians 3:10 and "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth". Proverbs 10:4

Be a blessing today.