An Enriching, Inside Primer for the Curious At Heart
Genuine Giving
All right, so last time, we explored the many types of gifts that one could give ---- and if, you remember, the list was nearly inexhaustible. This week, we’re going to have a closer look at the five specific types of giving people can engage in, whether good or bad, to offer a bit more background on the matter. And we know this: From the perspective of a believer, giving has to be genuine and from profound love before all else. This is where it all starts….and that is the first type of giving ---- pretty self - explanatory, right? Give like you mean it…..
Status Hounding
Perhaps you’re familiar with the costly gift of self - enhancement and all that it can imply, whether in the workplace, at home, on the streets or elsewhere. This type of gift giving eludes to the senses ---- which ones, you ask? Money, status, position, power, a show of wealth, etc. etc. etc. I think you get the point. And this, to say the least, can be the dangerous type of gift giving many are unaware of, mainly because it doesn’t come from the heart or even from a place of genuine love, appreciation or affection toward the other person.
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Giving
Now, interestingly enough, this type of gift giving has a lot more to do with the last type mentioned above, but there is a slight twist. Yes, the giver here does show his or her desire to merely be seen as a fantastic gift giver, but there is more. The giver behind this type, however, is a bit more caring and genuine than the status hound giver….which already says a lot.
The Wolf may often send money, gift cards or checks instead of presents. The Wolf won’t always consider the suitability of the gift toward the receiving recipient. The Wolf will easily “re-gift” the same items, over and over again….
“Power Player” Giving
Now, those who give to this style might be the worst givers of all, and here’s why: First of all, they know how best to manipulate each gift’s more symbolic nature and, as such, are the likeliest to disappoint. This is especially true around the holidays. So heads up…..
Those who “power play give” ---- and believe it or not, there are many in today’s world ---- understand how each gift can cause someone pain. And that is the gift they give! Sometimes they do consciously, and other times unconsciously, but the damage is done nonetheless. Yet now that you know of this type of giving, watch out for others practicing it…..you may already know someone. And if not, take extra special care ---- that person may be you!!!!
Complaint Giving
Nobody likes a whiner, right? You’ve heard it said before, and it’s true, much less when it comes to someone complaining ---- on end ---- of the toils and travails he or she endured just to get you the gift. Kinda makes you feel like you wish they hadn’t through any trouble in the first place, right? This is that type of gift giving….
Final thoughts on all this “mumbo jumbo” : Don’t stress; pray instead; give from the heart; and be so much more in this earthly life…..
So consider our proven advice the next time you find yourself in a “present pickle”. And remember to look up: The Good Lord has an answer for everything. So worry about nothing, and pray about everything; you will find that perfect gift. Believe it, and you’ll receive it (actually, the other party will actually do the receiving, but you get the idea). All good things do come in time, and from the Father above, the true Giver of all gifts everywhere, the source from which every great present first originates.
