the gift of giving.

Giving gifts is one of my most favorite things in the world. That and sleeping in, but I'll save that subject for another day.

I went shopping for a buddy's birthday present recently and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I love giving gifts. For me, it is especially satisfying when I know I can get the perfect present to surprise the one receiving it. I also relish in giving something that has deeper meaning and significance to the recipient because of a shared experience, an unexpressed need or a common interest.

I even have a ready list of gift ideas. Of course there's feeding the poor, educating the less fortunate, finding homes and families for orphans... But on a more personal level, allow me to share some of what I have on my giving wish list so far. There are those being saved for the day when I can afford more such as: paying off all of my best friend's debt; sending two of the most spectacular people I know on an all expense paid vacation for at least 2 weeks, without their kids; covering a fabulous friend's bills so she can be a stay-at-home wife and soon-to-be mom; buying fully furnished dream houses for everyone I love. Then there are smaller tokens of love and appreciation like hand-stamped necklaces, a favorite dessert, show tickets, a purse, McDonald's cherry pie, spa gift certificates or simple flowers. Those don't even come close to the half of it. It should come as no surprise that the list continues to become longer with each new day.

Have I mentioned that I take abolute pleasure in gift-giving?! In fact, I highly recommend it. I get blessed just thinking about it, planning for it. Big or small, the size of the gift really doesn't matter. The satisfaction achieved can be compared to little else.

Last Saturday I gave away the birthday present I bought a few days before, and I'm happy to share that I am still getting hugs, smiles, stories in return for it. It makes me want to give even more. I'm writing this today fulfilled from that mission accomplished. Whoever said 'It is more blessed to give than to receive' sure knew what He was talking about.