“There can be no real gift unless the giver goes with it. Giving includes more than the giving of money or things; it includes the giving of service or whatever we have to others, but always the gift and the giver must go hand in hand. The surrender of everything we have and everything we are into the joy of its own self-expression—this is the way God gives. This is the way we should give.”

— “365 Science of Mind: A Year of Daily Wisdom from Ernest Holmes,” March 11

Ya know, I really do get joy from giving of myself. I get to do so on a weekly basis at the very least, when I tithe to those people and organizations that nourish my spirit. Writing a check (signed by “Joyce S. Kaye and Spirit”) with a note to an individual expressing my gratitude increases the giving. Even when searching for a greeting card, I put my whole self into the task, being present through the One Mind with the intended recipient and feeling joy. The gift and the giver are one.

I express my authenticity as well open myself up to being vulnerable if, for instance, the person or organization doesn’t like what I’ve gifted. Knowing I did the best I could, was thoughtful, generous, and expressed caring and love, I release the situation to the Universe.

I no longer give a gift from obligation as I might have years ago; that kind of energy serves no one. It must be heartfelt and given with enthusiasm (“with God”)— then it blesses all the involved parties. This, of course, is also true when I volunteer to be of service, I must be committed and serve with joy.

There can be no real gift unless the giver goes with it—I and the gift are one.