Light, and Giving...

Today's post is a little late.  The holiday frenzy has fortunately escaped my family- -we're making a conscious effort to keep it very simple this year and enjoy each other's company more than fussing over lots of preparations- -but that doesn't mean that life isn't just naturally busier at this time of year!

Light. . .

. . .Was yesterday's Wednesday Stamper theme.  I had been wanting to play with wire and beads for a long time now, but hadn't had the time or the inspiration to carry it out.  But "light" seemed to cry out for something metal and crystal to bounce off, and a wire and bead doll with a candle in her hand is what I came up with.  She's constructed of wire and mesh and her dress is hand-dyed Swedish tracing paper with tiny hearts from PSX's Pixie Stamp Set stamped randomly in various pigment inks.  Her chandelier hair is all wire and beads and she's holding a purple birthday candle.  Just something fun, and a little different, for a change.

Giving. . .

I'm combining two themes in one post today. I missed last week's Inspire Me Thursday theme, which was Giving", but I have thought about it so much that I couldn't resist sharing some of what has been on my mind. 

I doubt that there's a person alive who hasn't heard the phrase, "It's more blessed to give than to receive".  I certainly hope that I have raised my children to be generous in the type of giving that does not ask for anything in return, and at the same time, to be wise in giving so that the gift is neither wasted nor misused.  By this I mean that they shouldn't give blindly to those who may not want or use the gift, or to those who might throw away something that could have been used by somebody else.  And I've thought that this was good advice and training, and until now I hadn't given it any further thought.  But then the subject of "giving" came up again, and somehow I was led to take a second, closer look. 

If it is truly more blessed to give than to receive, then a recipient is not only implied, but necessary.  Bear with me now, because I am not trying to turn the tables on this teaching, but to expand on it.  Willingly accepting hospitality when offered, cheerfully and thankfully accepting gifts from the heart, and taking with warmth and a smile, the little things offered by people who so much want to be giving, is to give back in return for the gift, the gift of acceptance, without which, the giver would have no hope of being "blessed". 

I know how many times I could have made someone a little happier by accepting the cup of coffee, the glass of wine, the invitation, etc., instead of saying "no" or being too busy.  Of course we can't and shouldn't say "yes" to everything, just like we can't be hospitable 24/7, nor should we.  But fewer "Not now"s when my kids had things to tell me, and to be able to say "Yes" instead of "Too busy" for even one more cup of coffee with my mom would be more than is possible now that she is gone. 

Every potential giver requires a recipient.  And in times when many gifts are given not from the heart but to satisfy the ego;  and other gifts are given not out of abundance but from lack of restraint, then it is blessed to be the grateful recipient of what others need to give, by giving back the "Yes! Thank you!" that blesses the cheerful giver.  I think that taking with gratitude, maybe not for the gift itself (I really didn't want that 20th Christmas candle when I was teaching first grade. . .), but for having in one's life even one person who wants to give to you, might be one of the best gifts of all.

Comments

[Paula]

This is fabulous.
Merry Christmas

[Andrea]

Great work. Happy Christmas

[Crafty Green Poet]

This is really thought provoking, you're so right, though it is important to learn how to graciously say no to other people's demands its also so important to be able to accept kindnesses and cups of coffee, to make time for other people

[Dymphie]

This is the coolest candle holder I ever saw! Love the beads and dress you gave her. The hairdo is fantastic!

Happy Holidays!

[Sija]

Wonderful! Merry Christmas

[Hermine]

Its looks gorgeous. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a Happy Newyear.

[Peggi]

That just makes me smile! It's so original.

[DebraAnn]

You are so right about being graceful while receiving. It is so much easier to give then it is to receive. Especially when it is a little something from someone we don't know very well, but in receiving those little niceties we open ourselves up to a lifetime of friendship and happiness.

Blessings to you and your family and I hope you have a wonderful holiday both giving and receiving.

[Galina]

What a beautiful light-bearer, very original and festive.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season- Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Galina

[Barbara]

How thoughful and she is a Great Light. Happy Holidays

[Deb G]

Like what you had to say about saying "yes." It made me remember my great-grandmother :)

[studio lolo]

This is a wonderful, heart-touching post. I love the perspective of accepting the gifts graciously because it's as important (maybe even more so) to the giver that you might know. I have a hard time accepting gifts or compliments, but now I'll think twice...and I'll remember your words. So wise. thank you!
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.

[Belinda]

oooh barbara, how sweet is this!!! looove the angel!! wishing you happy holidays!

[Carol Rose]

I am totally enchanted with this little light! It looks like something a fairy would have as her centerpiece! It makes me want to get out my wire and baubles and make something fanciful, too! I love your site, too -- and I've found so many neat links. Thank you!