The Gift of Giving

Emerson was right about gifts!

He began his essay on the topic with humor. He said that if a man comes to your door without any shoes, you need not think of giving him a paintbox. Necessity is an important rule, according to Emerson. He also believed that a gift should "convey to some person that which properly belonged to his character, and was easily associated with him in thought." He boldly declared that "The only gift is a portion of thyself...The poet should "bring his poem...the painter, his picture...the farmer, corn."

My family met these criteria of giving on my birthday this year. My brothers gave me greetings by phone, knowing I would be cheered by just hearing their voices. My husband helped me select a needed raincoat. I love the coat, but more meaningful to me was his advice as to what would look most attractive, and his expressed knowledge of my needs. My eldest daughter gave me a book of devotional writings--showing her knowledge of my reading tastes. My son set up a blog for me because he has expertise I do not; and because he knows I would never get started on my own. My family selected a cafe in my favorite city with moderate price and unique ambiance which they knew I would value. Another special gift from the heart of the giver as much as a painting or a poem: my younger daughter preached her first sermon with success at Princeton University on my birthday. The final bow on the package was happy birthday across the miles, with the help of Verizon. She, her boyfriend and his parents all sang greetings in harmony.

Emerson was right. When we give of ourselves with knowledge of the receiver, the gift brings happiness that goes beyond rewards measured in dollars and cents.