True Gift Giving

True giving is when you find an individual or a family that is not able to give back to you. - Rev. Runney Patterson Sr.


This is what we have grown up with. This is the altruistic ideal stated succinctly. To give a gift to ones equal, and they to you, is only a trade - not true giving. Lord knows trade is sinful because it presupposes profit which is downright evil because it assumes selfishness. In order to practice true giving this season you need to find an individual or family which has nothing to give back to you. That leaves out your family or spouse - one would assume even though they may lack financial means they probably have other values to give in return. Your co-workers could probably benefit you in some way so scratch them off of your list. Business associates (customers, suppliers, etc.) are likewise eliminated. Your friends are off the list because since they are friends they may very well help you out if you needed them. The same could probably be said of your neighbors even if you don't know them - they are potential friends at a minimum. Your minister should be eliminated because he is indeed the one who freely gives you the moral imperative you are acting on. That brings into question the church - but we probably shouldn't go there; besides they are just the conduit to the really deserving, not the end itself (right?). Charities fall in the same category. Your dog and cat!.....no, they return love and obedience.


This is getting tough.....Let's see if we can define who would be a worthy recipient of our largess:
This individual must have nothing of value which they might relinquish in return for your gift.
This individual must have no ability to work since they might just mow your lawn as an act of appreciation for your gift.
This individual must have no sense of humor or story telling ability which might enhance your life.
This individual must have no exceptional knowledge which might be of value to you.


So far all I have been able to come up with is a low level government worker.....but I'll keep looking and let you know.


(Since you are probably of value I didn't get you a gift - trying to stay with the true sense of the season, you know.)