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Giving gifts "just because" is just plain fun. Husbands, think of the last time you gave your wife a bouquet of flowers. Remember the joy and happiness on her face that you thought enough of her to pick up something special.

Giving a gift because you "have to" doesn't always have the same meaning. You may give the gift begrudgingly, with disdain, or with no care of choosing it and wrapping it. The recipient will undoubtedly know that the gift was forced and not given out of love and a willing attitude.

So often the idea of giving is connected to a monetary loss for the giver and a gain of some sort for the recipient. However, giving is more than just purchasing something and presenting it to someone. True giving is from the heart with no idea of repayment. Giving can be volunteering, offering a hand to a stranger in need, opening a door for another, or carrying a package for someone whose hands are full or is too frail.

When we give to our church or charity, we typically give a sum of money that we get absolutely nothing for in return. We can be generous and help others in need, whether it's in our own hometown or somewhere around the world.

When we donate goods to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, or other institutions, we are helping provide a means for people to afford necessities. We are also de-cluttering our own household through this simple act.

Dropping a gift card in the mail to a struggling friend, and not including a return address or note, is a great way to give without expecting anything in return. It's important to remember to give from our heart and not from a feeling of "must."

Consider the example of Mother Teresa, a woman who devoted her life to the severely poor and needy of the world. She owned only the clothes she wore and a Bible. Although this is an extreme for most people, the example of her giving is one that should be considered. Giving always helps someone else. There is always someone more needy than you; your small offering will help improve that person's life.

If we only give with the expectation of receiving in return, we are missing the joy of giving. Think of the last time you did give flowers to your wife and the look on her face. Were you giving those flowers to get something in return or just to show her you love and care for her? Keeping giving in perspective is important to the overall internal peace you can feel.

Being a giving person can affect your whole outlook on life. Being miserly like Mr. Scrooge will only bring unhappiness, while true giving is a joyful experience for you and the recipient.

Learn more about this author, Jinianne Lutz.
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