Eight gifts that don't cost a cent

Eight gifts that don't cost a cent

Author Unknown

This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships.

The Gift of Listening But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just listen.

The Gift of Affection Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

The Gift of Solitude There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of a Written Note It can be a simple "Thanks for the help" note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

The Hole

Two brothers once decided to dig a deep hole behind their house.As they were working, a couple of other boys stopped by towatch.

"What are you doing?" asked one of the visitors.

"We're going to dig a hole all the way through the earth!" oneof the brothers volunteered excitedly.The other boys began to laugh, telling the brothers that digginga hole all the way through the earth was impossible. After along silence, one of the diggers picked up a jar full of spiders,worms, insects and interesting stones. He removed thelid and showed the wonderful contents to the scoffing visitors.Then he said confidently, "Even if we don't dig all the waythrough the earth, look what we found along the way!"

Their goal was far too ambitious, but it did cause them to dig.That is what a goal is for, to cause us to move in thedirection we have chosen. In other words, to set us to digging!But not every goal will be fully achieved. Not every job willend successfully. Not every relationship will endure. Not everyhope will come to pass. Not every love will last. Not everyendeavor will be completed. Not every dream will be realized.

But when you fall short of your aim, perhaps you can say,"Yes, but look at what I found along the way!Look at the wonderful things which have come into my lifebecause I tried to do something!"It is in the digging that life is lived, and it is the joy inthe journey that truly matters!

~Author Unknown~