Friday, November 12, 2010

Shoppin’ early


By CHRIS MILLSPAUGH

It occurs to me that now is a good time to consider the Christmas holidays and how in the world one is to handle it and accomplish self satisfaction. I realize it's the time of giving and bestowing expressions of love toward those who are important in your life, but this year especially, the purse strings are rather slack. We tend to feel inadequate when we can't give material tokens of appreciation because of a lack of funds. Giving makes us feel good. Taking confounds our soul. Are we worthy of receiving when we cannot give what we believe is appropriate?

A child I once knew well told me long ago, "I love you this much" and extended her arms out as far as she could. I measured her arms and teased her by saying, "That doesn't seem to be very much." She said, "But, it's all the much I have!"

<

I believe that's where an offering of a gift originates—from deep within. It doesn't matter what you give. It's the spirit in which it's given. We shouldn't beat ourselves up because we cannot afford to give what we think another wants. The act of giving sincerely will settle our self-doubts. When you give all that you are able to, then you will feel good inside. Perhaps that's what Christmas is all about.

This season, I intend to give early to avoid the pressures of holiday shopping. For once, I would like to enjoy the spirit of these times devoid of a deadline. So, I'm going to go shoppin' early and give all the much I can.

Nice talking to you.




 Local Weather 
Search archives:


Copyright © 2024 Express Publishing Inc.   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy
All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Express Publishing Inc. is prohibited. 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.