Finding Common Ground

I had planned to participate in the Kiva donations organized by Karl Fisch, named Team Shift Happens, and this news from my family fell right in with that plan. Then, on Christmas morning at Christmas mass, the priest told a story that was also in line with the thought that it is more rewarding to give than to receive. I searched out the story of the Small White Envelope, the beginning of which is probably familiar to many of us at this time of year…

…overspending… the frantic running around at the last minute to get a tie for Uncle Harry and the dusting powder for Grandma—the gifts given in desperation because you couldn’t think of  anything else.

In the story, the wife decides to try to find something special for her husband. While at a wrestling match for her son, the opposing team’s lack of headgear and poor equipment led her to anonymously purchase equipment for the struggling team. Her unique method of informing her husband became a yearly tradition, as did the sharing with others less fortunate.

If you have the chance, read the full story ~ as I looked around at Christmas mass there were many tears, which I hope translated into a carrying on of this type of tradition in more homes. The story ends this way:

…May we all remember Christ, who is the reason for the season, and the true Christmas spirit this year and always. God bless—pass this along to your friends and loved ones.

I returned to Kiva only to find that the entrepreneurs were all currently funded at this time, so although I joined Team Shift Happens & Team Google Certified Teachers, I donated this year to Heifer International. I was able to make a Gift of Bees and share in a Gift of Trees.

Here’s hoping the recipients are as happy to receive as I was to give!

Filed under: Sharing... and tagged charity, donation, heifer, holiday, kiva, traditions