Return the gift. Really.

Most everyone loves a sweet deal, a discount or unexpected gift. I know I do. And as we approach the holiday season it appears people’s hearts become a little nicer and gestures a bit kinder. But up to this point, throughout the year I have watched as people gravitate toward a complementary meal, free service or sample products time and time again from local businesses and individuals and I can’t help but wonder if they are returning the gift of graciousness.

I know many who donate percentages of their earnings through their civic and religious organizations to support local charities, and overseas missions and others who contribute time, resources and efforts to special causes like walks and fundraisers. That is not what I’m referring. In fact, I support things like those as well.

For example, my question is, if a small business continually gives you complementary massages how are you returning the gift? Several times a week I am the anonymous person who pays for a meal at a restaurant or for the vehicle behind me at the drive through. It is my way of returning the blessings I have in my life.

Many of you may disagree but in raising my children I used to say, “By law, all I am required to provide for you is food in your belly and shelter out of the elements. Truthfully, that could be a box under a bridge and dumpster food. Therefore, EVERYTHING else is a perk. The warm bed you have, the fresh running water for your shower, the prepared homemade food, not to mention the game box, TV, heat and air conditioning, it’s all a perk, completely a blessing that many do not have the luxury of experiencing.”

Girl, it’s time to focus on the sparkle. Think about what would happen if you woke up today with only what you were grateful for yesterday. But beyond being grateful, give back. Return the gift. Share something. Feeling down? Like you have nothing to offer? Even more reason to give. For in giving you receive more than you ever imagined. Giving is not about money or time, it is about making a difference, sharing and extending your blessing. Don’t have money? Share time. Volunteer. Don’t have time? Become a pen pal. Make gifts for children stuck in the hospital. There are so many ways to give back and return the gifts you are given. At the end of the day its about the lives you’ve touched and only by returning the gift will you realize what you truly have and in turn receive even more.

© c. michelle bryant

Michelle Bryant is an entrepreneur, creator and owner of Focus on Fabulous magazine, nationally acclaimed award-winning artist, inspirational speaker, self-published author of five books available at most online retailers, a multi-award winning, published photographer whose work is nationally used for worldwide marketing campaigns and featured on various items including but not limited to apparel. She shines her light and speaks from her heart in an encouraging and transparent manner and offers a message of hope, healing, and victory to any who encounters her or her works. You can check out her multitude of works at: www.divinelyfocused.com.