There is many times through the year where we can give to others. The most joyous time of the year is the holiday season. It can also be the most difficult time of the year for some. This year make it a wonderful time for other people by giving in secret. Anyone who has met my husband thinks he is the kindest man in the world, which he is. What they don’t know is my husband gives in ways that are simple, yet life changing. Joe is always smiling or a taking the time to say a kind word when someone is struggling. He always makes people feel better after they talk with him.

I call it irrational giving. Most people think irrational giving is something so big that it is hard to accomplish, but when you think about it, being kind and giving even when you don’t feel good, or when you may not prefer someone’s company, that is when giving is not so easy. Irrational giving is to always give, even when your emotions say don’t.

Irrational giving is also giving when giving doesn’t make sense. Giving to a co-worker who may not be the nicest person, or giving to a family member, when they never acknowledge you or support you. That is irrational giving at it’s best and for those, like my husband, they realize it is a wonderful blessing.

Giving in secret teaches irrational giving. When you give with no expectation of anything in return, you realize that giving is much more than what you choose to do as in who you are as a human. Every so often I remind my self that we can never “make” anyone do anything. We can however, make ourselves act the way we wish to be as a person. I wish to be kind and easy going. That doesn’t mean I don’t get frustrated but what it does mean, is that I make decisions to overcome that frustration or emotion with an act of joy or kindness, regardless of the emotion.

Just like my husband makes a conscientious decision to be a giver.

Kids need examples and the Christmas season is the best time to show them irrational giving. How will you give this season, even when the chaos settles in? How will you overcome the desires of the season with the giving? How will you show your kids? The blessing of the season is it gives us opportunities to answer those questions in the best way possible for our families. So have fun this giving season and try Irrational giving, it is fun.

God Bless,

Kelly