The Art of Giving

 

 

We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the heart:
Love, kindness, joy, understanding, sympathy,
tolerance, forgiveness.

We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the mind:
Ideas, dreams, purposes, ideals, principles,
plans, projects, poetry.

We give of ourselves when we give gifts of the spirit:
Prayer, vision, beauty, aspiration, peace, faith.

We give of ourselves when we give the gift of words:
Encouragement, inspiration, guidance.

Emerson said it well:
"Rings and jewels are not gifts,
but apologies for gifts.
The only true gift is a portion of thyself."

 

From The Art of Living
by Wilfred A. Peterson