10 Ways to Give a Gift of the Heart

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Christmas is a time of love and giving of the heart. We want our loved ones to have the perfect gift they will remember and treasure. We also want to include the less fortunate, those people we may never meet. The truth is we don’t always have the money to purchase what we think is the best item. But there are ways we can offer a token of our heart.

10 Ways to Give a Gift of the Heart

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1. The gift of art. Many of us are talented in one or more of the arts. Whether it’s a dance, video, an aspect of music, painting, sculpture, or photography, art enhances the mind.

2. The gift of creativity. While writing is an art, I wanted to point out the sentimental value of a poem, short story, article, a fiction or a nonfiction piece.

3. The gift of culinary expertise. Many find cooking or baking a drudgery. But for those who enjoy food preparation, it’s a true joy for others to receive. Prepare a meal for the person or persons on your list. Watch their eyes light up and listen to their praises for your thoughtfulness.

4. The gift of hope. Does anyone on your list need encouragement, faith in God, self-confidence, or an expectation for the future? Hope is another priceless gift given as a personal touch tied with a huge bow of love.

5. The gift of love. The greatest gift we can offer is to love others, not simply those who are dear to us but the unlovable. Be Jesus to people who need to experience the power of unconditional love.

6. The gift of mentoring. We all have a special expertise that others want or need. Consider the joy of mentoring a child, a new Christian, a person who longs to learn a craft or skill, a newly engaged couple, and the list goes on.

7. The gift of prayer. This is the gift that blesses the giver and the receiver. The recipient doesn’t have to be those we know by name, but people who are in need. When we pray, God listens.

8. The gift of service. We all have chores we despise. Is your most detestable task one you could perform for another person? Whether it’s laundry, yard work, planting flowers, taking out the trash, raking leaves, washing dishes, mucking a horse stall, or cleaning windows, the recipient will appreciate your effort.

9. The gift of time. It’s been said time is priceless, and the quote is true. A one-on-one visit or a phone chat causes others to feel cherished, loved, and important. Shut-ins and people who are ill aren’t the only ones who value a special slice of our time.

10. The gift of transportation. This item comes in various forms from meals-on-wheels, driving an ill person to a doctor’s appointment, offering to transport someone to church, assisting in a volunteer capacity, and again the list goes on.