Howdy all -
     It's setting up to be a bright, sunny (duh) and quite possibly cheerful day out here in the desert. My keepers aren't around for the moment, so I figure'd I'd get out the soap bubbles and have a little fun (yep - they get to clean up that mess too).
    I've been reading a book lof late (no pictures, so I can't have my crayons as I do it). It's called "Man of Steel and Velvet" by Aubrey Andelin. I originally received a copy of this book from my mother-in-law back when it came out in the 80's (subtle hints, even that long ago. She was a uncommonly wonderful woman).
     It basically teaches a man how to act like one. It talks of strength, compassion and honor. I read it back then, but since I already knew everything about anything worth knowing, paid little heed to it. It crept back into my head recently (non pop-up blocker there any more), so I got an eBay copy and started in on learning to be a man (at 57 years old - talk about "sometimes slowly" - go figure).
     There's an interesting several pages on unselfishness and it's relation to spiritual growth. That kinda caught my eye - I'd love to start growing up instead of growing old. For example it talks of the fact that when I give a donation to the poor, a church or some such thing, that is not an act of unselfishness. It usually is of little trouble, takes no time, and is usually in the form of something I didn't need or care about in the first place. Yes the benefactee received something, but the main reason I do it is to make me feel better about myself (dang, can't get away with anything). 
     Then there is the other kind of gift. Where an in-my-face, up-close and personal sacrifice is necessary to accomplish the giving. One could say doing something that I don't want to do - but because I know it is the spiritually right thing to do. Doing it and never telling anyone. Sacrificing something I want or need to "Git 'er done". 
     Dropping a dime in a peddlers cup on the walk to work is one thing. Walking a mile out of my way to do it is a horse of a different color. Reaching out the hand of forgiveness when I want to strike back. Helping someone I don't like - because they need help. Anonymous random acts of kindness. The list of things I can do are endless. May He grant me the willingness to to get past mayself and do them.
     For the person receiving, it may or may not be about the gift - and it matters little in regards to this tidbit of learning. For this drunk must always remember it must be about the intent and spirit of the giving, not the gift. 

Nuff said,
Dennis