A few years ago, a very wise, good friend of mine explained to me me how important “cheerful” giving is.  Cheerful being the operative word in this article.  Sure, anyone can give if we choose to do so.  But some of us may do it for the sake of it or do so  begrudgingly.  Have you ever pondered though what it means to be one?  I’ve always been intrigued by this concept. It’s always logically made sense to me, but in my heart, I knew there was something more to it than just being a saying.  There’s a bible verse in 2 Corinthians:6-7 that says; “the point is this, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  I came to love this verse very much.  At first, I  subconsciously adapted the attitude.  It took time to fully understand.  Then it slowly became the norm.  And when I finally grasped it fully, it was eye (and heart) opening.  I have come to know what the power of giving and sharing really means.  It was not only about the granting of material possessions but of sharing myself and my time— all in a joyful manner.  I took up bible and counseling classes to be able to help friends.  I made sure my cupboards were stocked for when my friends and kids friends came over so we could share our new food discoveries with them.  I started spring cleaning our closets every six months (clothes, shoes, kitchen and stockroom) so we could give to those in need or whom I knew would appreciate.  My children have followed suit.  Every time they spring clean, it warms my heart to see them giving to the children of our staff.  It’s important for me to know they love to share.  I say this with no boasting and a very humble heart.  This attitude is for everyone.  Because when we can let go even when we feel we have nothing— that makes us a true cheerful giver.  There’s a very powerful verse in Mark 12:41-44, about the widow who gave all she had in her poverty.  Reading that made me think, wow! She is one joyful donator.  Supplying not only blesses those we choose to supply, but opens a very powerful avenue of abundance in our lives. Most definitely we do not give to get blessed.  But sharing really is a byproduct of bounty. It comes back in so many ways.  Here are photos of just a few of the goodies we have trickling in from friends and family (not my work) on a daily basis.  I credit it all to living in an attitude of giving.  These little things fill my heart as much as the big things.  My soul is full and so are my cupboards, ha ha. For all of it, I am deeply grateful. And most of all, for having learned what the attitude of giving really means.

mangoes and other fruits from the farms of friends

to give is to receive, ha ha! the food basket i perpetually fill for my kids friends is now filled up from snacks given to us by friends who have come from trips

some of my favourite things, the gift of spices, teas and ingredients to experiment with

sumptuous dessert

libations from far away lands.

The photos may be simple but all this in a span of a day or two.  I also choose not to post the more personal items, but you get the idea, right?  Now let’s all pay it forward.  I wish for you all to have a week of cheerful giving and receiving.  Count the blessings, everyone!