The article is entitled "The Challenge of Receiving Gifts," but it and the questions seem to focus on giving. Perhaps that suggests that it is not only easier to give than to receive but it is easier to talk about giving than about receiving. I remember being taught to simply say 'thank you' when given a gift, be it verbal or material, and that advice still seems very valuable. Ready-made gifts can lead us to "forget the reasons for giving," but not necessarily. I think the key factor is whether the gift, be it ready-made or personally made, connects with a need or want in the receiver. The giving of a gift to me is special when the giver paid attention to me and knew me such that the gift is something I truly want. I do think it is important to stay mindful of my reasons for giving. I think the purest gift is given freely, out of care, and connects with what the receiver needs or wants. Such a gift is given for the joy of giving and for the joy of receiving, with no strings or hidden agendas attached. When that happens, there is joy for both the giver and the receiver. When I have created a gift of the written expression of my feelings to a family member or friend, and it has sincerely expressed me and touched the other, that has been special.
On Nov 23, 2012 david doane wrote :