With a heart that gives you can find joy

I know that earlier this year I had my world rocked and I learned a lesson that I had not considered before. It was one that my husband had expressed many times before but I needed to put into context for myself.

I had always known that true joy was not in the receiving but rather the giving. However, there is more to it than that. You see, when you give there is more joy that comes afterwards when you see that the recipient has appreciated it when they look back it in the months and years that follow. I hope that any person who has ever bought us a meal, helped me tidy or cook for events, taught me something new or been there to share a DVD with tea and chocolate with me would know that I have always appreciated it.

I guess one lesson I have learned is that although you may give to others through time, acts of service, gifts, hugs and words of encouragement, this does not mean that they appreciate will appreciate it at the time and/or that they even know for themselves the joy that comes from passing on that joy to others stepping out themselves and giving to others too.

So, this past week have asked for a spirit of discernment to help me know where my effort will make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Where what I do will be appreciated not because 'I' have done it but because of the love of God who puts them on my heart and prompts me to do something out of love for them.