They say, “It’s better to give than receive.” I have to admit, in my younger days, this notion stumped me. I’d think: How on earth could it be better to give than it is to receive? Receiving is certainly more fun.
As a child, I loved receiving. One Christmas Eve, there were so many wrapped presents under the tree that I hyperventilated at the sight. After my mother saw the intense beating of my heart pounding and racing out of my chest, she had to make me go lie down in another room just to calm me.
When I recounted this memory to a friend, Lesa, she shared that her young niece also once became so excited over unwrapping her first Barbie Doll that the child actually fainted, right there under the Christmas tree.
I was taught in church and Sunday school to ‘love my neighbor…’ and ‘do unto others…’ For me, giving has become a personal act of love and a general expression of gratitude. Giving has a magical quality to it. It’s sacred and extremely powerful.
Over the years, after feeling more connected with the people in my world, I have become empathic. When people or animals are physically or emotionally hurt, I feel their pain. If someone needs or wants anything, I worry about how to assist or contribute.
No matter what you call it — giving, gifting, donating, sharing, offering, tithing or contributing, giving is a very personal matter; we each give for different reasons.
Some gratefully give to honor the fact that they’ve never been in need of anything; others empathetically give because they have experienced being without. Others prefer giving to honor the name of someone they love, as a memorial gesture that keeps the person’s legacy alive.
To me, it’s no coincidence that whether it’s money, possessions, time, expertise, a smile or any other thing, those who give more just seem to be blessed with happier lives.
Imagine that the act of giving is like sharing a flame on a lighted candle. If you have a flame and I don’t, you can use your lit candle to light my flame; you don’t lose your flame by sharing it with me. The bonus is that, together, our flames create a stronger light; and, because you shared with me, I now have a flame to share with others.
One dollar at a time, donations made to United Way of Santa Rosa help ‘light’ the way in our county. For example, when you pledge, just one dollar from your donation can help purchase five to seven meals, or help keep the lights and heat on for a family in need.
Contributing today ensures that if you, your family, friends, neighbors or coworkers should become in need tomorrow, your UWSR will be here to fund Santa Rosa service agencies and advise on available assistance opportunities.
As Peter Pan’s creator and author James Matthew Barrie said, “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.”
Sending our heartfelt thanks, Santa Rosa, for all you do every day to bring light during dark times for others.
From all of us here at UWSRC we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Call Debra Baez at 850-623-4507 to arrange a workplace campaign for any number of employees, donate, or volunteer.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Thanks for lighting the way, Santa Rosa