The Joy of Giving
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The Joy of Giving
As Christmas approaches we start thinking about what we are going to give to the loved ones in our life. It doesn’t matter what the value of the gift is going to be but the thought of giving it that actually gives us that holiday glow. Even old Ebenezer Scrooge discovered the glow of giving and it left him dancing in the street from the new found generosity of the heart.
I was reading recently how science has discovered that giving to charity actually rewards the brain! Giving to relatives comes naturally but why would you give to people you don’t know, and will never be able to give you anything in return? Well according to science it’s because it feels good. It just so happens that when faced with keeping money or an item or giving it away a person’s reward center of their brain is activated. This center is responsible for doling out that warm glow with good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine that are also associated with sex, money, food and drugs.
The joy of giving is especially high at Christmas time and brings a euphoric feeling of wellbeing. No wonder everyone at this time of year from family to friends and even strangers share a tendency to be less impatient, open doors and generally are more civil and offer simple courtesies.
So how about some contagious generosity? How about integrating this joy of giving into every facet of your life on every level? Start with the very personal relationships like family and friends and then extend it to your business and to strangers. In the bible, Luke 6:38 says giving, not getting is the way. Giving brings joy and the greatest joy of giving will come when you experience it as God’s will in your life. Find your place in His plan. Spur one another on to loving and giving to others. Lay out your gifts to help those in need this holiday season. It’s a gift that really will give back.
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