Thinking Ability

For weeks now I have been hearing talk of the holidays. Everyone seems to have a different viewpoint........none wrong, just diverse.

Our views are what Dena says make the world go round and hopefully makes us all more willing to listen, and then possibily broaden out our viewpoints, whether it be a simple acknowledgment of anothers view, or maybe a deeper understanding of each other.

Here is the thing with any event, holiday, occasion. When the words OBLIGATION or EXPECTATION come into play, somehow the joy of giving or doing is taken right out the picture. Don't get me wrong, we all have obligations and people expect of us daily, if we didn't none would have jobs, friends or family. We are responsible to other living creatures on this planet, but we have choices as to how far WE go and this should come with no amount guilt or regret.

This all being said I'd like to speak about gifts. Gifts are a special treasure that we can bestow on those we love and care for. Some people are super talented buyers/givers...they pay rapt attention and remember what others like, then wait for the opportune time to deliver. Robert and Dena are blessed to have several who are - shall we say - gifted in this way. Dena says Robert buys the most amazing, meaningful and beautiful cards she has ever seen. She is blessed. Gifts do not have to be large or expensive, just have meaning. Dena has received used garage sale finds, which she has loved more than something brand new. The point is the thought. I love getting new toys and treats....they spoil me so.

Personal old-fashioned mail is HUGE. Think about it...a card or letter can be a huge gift.

• a person thinks of you, gets paper and ink out...maybe goes to a card store... it takes thought, feeling, and a huge effort to find the perfect words to express what is needed at the time, then ya gotta buy it 
• the time and effort to compose thoughts or simply sign your name
• address it
• a stamp....ooops off to the post office and oh BTW  mircle of mircles for 44 pennies a man will take this gift anywhere in the US and all of our territories....CRAZY beautiful
• your receiver gets the most amazing, thoughtful, gift ever, surrounded by all of the time and effort it took to accomplish the goal... but do they know this?

OK here is the issue that comes in. Some people expect! They expect a birthday card, Christmas card, a gift, a call, a visit, whatever, and they expect it on time and if the whatever is late or lost they still keep asking. Do they want because they have always been indudged and ask because they feel are forgotten? Do some need to show others how loved they are to others? Or is it pressure to make the good giver always feel a sense of obligation? This makes the joy of giver deflate and lose its intended power of happiness.

I've decided that I will take some of the things I have been hearing to heart. I live without letting others make me feel obligated to lick a hand, lay on their feet to warm them, or even chase a ball just to retrieve. I plan to live unselfishly, doing kindnesses for others within the limits of my ability and desire to give without expectation or obligation.