Tis the season for gift giving. I’ve already read one on-line conversation about what sort of gift an author should send to their editor or their agent. I know there are lots of publishing professionals about to receive handy-dandy items purchased from Levenger’s or wonderful boxes of chocolates from a number of different fine chocolate makers.
Several years ago, I got to thinking about this, and I wondered how many boxes of chocolate one editor needed. That’s when it occurred to me to change my gift-giving with business associates. I decided to give to a charity.
I chose Angel Tree, a ministry of Prison Fellowship. Among other things, Angel Tree supplies Christmas gifts to children of prisoners. So now, at Christmas, I send a card to those I want to thank, and I tell them of the gift I made on their behalf to Angel Tree.
My agent, Natasha Kern, also makes this her practice. Rather than sending gifts to her clients, she gives to charity. One organization she has given to is Heifer International. Heifer International has a goal to end hunger around the world. I don’t know about her other clients, but I feel good when I get her card. No other gift she could send me would feel as good.
It’s fun, of course, to give and receive gifts. I enjoy getting boxes of chocolates and cool items from Levenger’s as much as the next person. I enjoy buying gifts and sending them, too. I’m not saying that’s wrong. But I encourage those who read this post to think about those who won’t have any gifts this Christmas or who will go to bed hungry. Think about them and then give to a charity of your choice.
We can make a difference, one person at a time.
In the grip of His grace,
Robin
