"the greatest gift is a portion of thyself"
A gift is an offering of one's self to another person. A gift should not be about material wealth, or the thanks received, but rather the act should speak for itself. It is given voluntarily, without payment expected in return.
Gifts should be given because of a desire to do so, not an expectation. Though society pressures us to give gifts on birthdays, or for Christmas, or a major event like graduation, the most meaningful gifts are given for no pre-set reason. These gifts weigh more in our hearts for the recipient of the gift sees the importance they hold in the giver's heart. Though you may receive many birthday gifts that make you happy, an out of the blue gift from a true friend will probably mean more for it shows the love in their heart for you, the recipient.
Gifts should be received without expectation. It is better to be open-minded when it comes to receiving a gift because one does not want to have high expectations and then be disappointed. Not only would that be a disappointment for the recipient but also for the gift giver who receives satisfaction from knowing that the gift is well received. Though Emerson believes we should not give gifts in order to be satisfied by the recipient's reaction, it is a natural reaction. A gift should also be received truthfully. It is better to display your true emotion upon receiving the gift than trying to mask those in order to please the gift giver.
There is no one tangible gift that I could ever say is the best gift I've ever received or given, rather a grouping of all the gifts spontaneously given to me for the sake of the gift (or vice versa if I was the giver). No payment or thank you should be expected in return, but it is a nice gesture to say a simple thank you at the very least, and the gift should be a portrayal of both the recipient and the gift giver. Rather than being the handiwork of someone else, a gift you are to give to someone should be something that resonates within your heart and one that you know will warm the recipient's heart as well.
"remember the greatest gift is not found in a store nor under a tree, but in the hearts of true friends" -anonymous
photo credit
1. http://www.aamconsulting.com/img/right-img-giving.jpg
3 comments:
Joy... I love your ideas concerning gifts. You articulated really well that a true gift is one that is given from the heart. Your right! The best gifts are those that are unexpected, and not given necessarily for a holiday, or preset occasion, but just because. These "just because" gifts are the best gifts for they embody a true gift! In addition, I love how you said that a gift should resonate in the heart of giver as well as the recipient. I completely follow your train of thought, and its very logical. I was wondering though, if you had to choose one gift which one would it be? (The gift wouldn't have to be tangible necessarily...)
On a different note, I think that although it is necessary to show your true emotions upon recieving a gift, it is also important to thank the giver for the thought. In my opinion, behind a true gift lies a thought, which should be acknowledged...even if you hate the gift.
I was wondering did reading Emerson's Gifts make you re-think giving gifts?
Overall, great job Joy!
Hi Joy!
You did a very good job of summing up what Emerson thinks about gifts and also sharing some of your own opinions on gift giving and recieving.
I though your comment on how no repayment or thank you should be given after one recieves a gift was very interesting. I definately agree that no one is in debt after a gift is exchanged. However, is it not a good way to acknowledge the gift by returning a simple thank you?
I also really liked your comment about how you should give a gift that you think will "warm the recipient's heart." I definitely agree with this. When you give someone a gift it should be wiht the intent of making them know you care about them.
bye, bye!
love,
Fiona
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