Personal touch of giving

“Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ( 2Corinthians 9:6-7)

It has been the practice of the church that I am attending now, to take part in the Boys’ Brigade’s Sharity Gift Box every year during Christmas season. Members of the church can participate by donating the requested items based on the grocery list compiled. Though one can also give cash donations, we are encouraged to add a personal touch by getting the items ourselves.

The items have been arriving at a very slow pace and it is still very far away from the targets. I guess in our fast-paced society, it is definitely not so ‘convenient’ to pick these grocery items from different corners of the supermarket which required much time and effort, than just writing a cheque as donation. Furthermore, one has to bring these heavy stuffs to the church, a collecting point. Nevertheless, I chose the ‘inconvenient’ method with the help of my maid.

In this season of giving, it may be worthwhile to spend time buying our loved ones something than giving out cash. We actually derived much joy from doing that, likewise for those at the receiving ends. My youngest sister and her children in Malaysia are coming to visit me next week. I have opted for the ‘inconvenient’ way of buying the children some gifts than giving them red packets.