Pulling out of our driveway tonight, we saw lights coming toward us.  As we waited, we realized that the vehicle was that of our elderly neighbor just down the road from us.  She stopped, and we got out to greet her.  She had gifts in hand and thanked us for our gift of Jim Brickman CDs and a candle that we left in her mailbox just the other day.  I don’t give to receive, though.  When I give, it is a gift from the heart with no strings attached and no expectations.

We chatted briefly, and then we got back into our vehicles to go our separate ways.

This lady lives alone with her dog and cat.  My heart goes out to her as, while I don’t know this for a fact, she appears to be all by herself.  She could have a huge family that she visits often, but I rarely see vehicles at her house.  That is why I have drawn this conclusion.

Often times, I think of my grandmother who lived alone for several years before she passed away.  She lost my grandfather a few years before, and she was so very lonely.  I can almost hear her now on the phone as she talked of how lonely her days were.  Sure, we would visit, but I know it wasn’t as often as we should have.  We did what we could, though.  I imagine that is why I have such a strong desire to let this lady up the road know that she isn’t all alone in this great big world.

When we returned home tonight, we opened the gift bag and manila envelope that our neighbor had given us a few hours earlier.  My youngest daughter was so excited to see what goodies our neighbor shared with us.  There were several items that could have looked “recycled.”  But … that may have been all that she had to give, and she chose to give them to us!  For that … I am grateful.  She thought of us, and I appreciate her thoughtfulness and the kindness she has extended by remembering my family and I at this time of year.

For me, I don’t look at the recycled gifts in a bad way at all.  I appreciate the calendar she gave as well as the Angels Among Us literature.  There was even an article about how beautiful Heaven is.  She had a few of what looked to be her old costume jewelry which consisted of bracelets, necklaces, and rings in the mix.  My daughter was thrilled and began putting every single one of them on.  I smiled inside and out as I watched her excitement.  Our neighbor did a wonderful thing, and my heart is grateful.

At Christmas time, I hope you will consider those that may not have much to give.  I am sure they feel bad about giving what little they do have, but to me, it was a blessing to be on the receiving end of such kindness and generosity.  I remember a few times being right where our neighbor is and not really being able to afford to buy for all.  I did the best I could and hoped the recipients knew I was giving from my heart even if my wallet was not able to give as grand of a gift as I would have liked.  It is all about the giver’s heart, and I know that my neighbor is a very sweet, kindhearted lady.  And I am blessed by her thoughtfulness.

I hope that you will appreciate the heart of the giver this holiday season.  If someone gives you a gift that you may not have chosen for yourself, please be gentle and kind.  It truly IS the thought that counts.  They have big hearts, even if they do not have big wallets to go with it.

For me, I received a blessing tonight.  I hope you will receive your very own blessing this holiday season.