There is no way any of our gifts could compare to the gifts God has given all of us – the gift of life, the gift of an incredibly beautiful, magical, mystical world, and most of us, the gift of his son Jesus Christ. But each of us – you and I and everyone else – can give gifts that keep on giving the way God’s gifts to us do.
What are these gifts that keep on giving? Some are donations made to non-profits that honor the values and focus of the recipients, while others only cost time and the willingness to extend yourself. Check out this list to help you focus on possibilities that would help you feel good about your efforts while making a difference in the world.
The Gift of Education – Since Malala Yousafzai was shot by the Taliban, the awareness of what a struggle it is for girls to obtain equal educational opportunities has soared. If education for girls is your passion, you can find many regional, national and international organizations to support.
The Gift of Good Health –While our Congress tries to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, there are wonderful health related non-profits like Volunteers in Medicine, Partners in Health, Doctors Without Borders and Medical Teams International working to save lives of the uninsured at home and around the globe.
The Gift of Decent Housing – Habitat for Humanity hadn’t been in existence long before they realized that children’s grades improved once they had a simple, decent home to live in. They don’t give people a handout; what they provide is a hand up to a healthier, sustainable lifestyle. Many local chapters need volunteers who can swing a hammer, wield a saw and have some free time to help out. Other low-income housing non-profits are following their lead.
The Gift of Nutrition –The number of people in this country who struggle to feed their families is both shameful and overwhelming. Local food pantries need financial donations as well as help sorting, packing and distributing food.
The Gift of Understanding and Friendship – respect for those whose religion differs from our own has never been more important than it is right now. Understanding, tolerance and friendship are priceless gifts of love that we can extend to our neighbors at home and abroad. Whether we celebrate Christmas or Kwanza, Hanukah or Ramadan; whether we call our creator God, or Yahweh or Allah, we are all one in the spirit.
May you learn the joy of giving magical gifts this year.
Judy Osgood