‘Tis the season to be giving

As we all know, this is the season to be Jolly. On the last post, I talked about Generosity. So I would like to slightly change the traditional “’Tis the season to be jolly” to “Tis the season to be GIVING.” This year, why not give of your time to those who are in need of someone? This year, why not give food or clothing to those who need to eat or are without clothes? This season, why not give words of encouragement to those who are in need of hearing words that may uplift their spirits? This year, what if we bought less and gave more?  Believe me, it may just revolutionize your holiday experience.

I leave you with these giving quotes which will hopefully help you realize that we’re all in this experience called life together. When you give, you will experience greater joy and passion in your life. This concept has been taught by many wise people and it’s definitely a practice we need in every area of our lives.

“As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December’s bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.” –Donald E. Westlake

“If you do not have peace in your life, you, like many others, have probably not fully understood its message. You receive exactly what you put out, or, “As you sow, so shall you reap.” – Thomas D. Willhite

“One of the things I keep learning is that the secret of being happy is doing things for other people.” –Dick Gregory

“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other’s’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holiday season. –W. C. Jones



Jay Arisso Jr., BSB, CGRS
Manager of Family Services at NJ Sharing Network
Jay is Senior Pastor of La Iglesia Church in Elizabeth, NJ and oversees NJ Sharing Network’s aftercare program.