As the insanity of Black Friday shopping winds down, I thought I’d post some thoughts on giving. I imagine many people would say they give often. Christmas. Birthdays. Baby Showers. It seems opportunities and obligations to give crop up every few weeks.

But giving–real giving–is more than just buying a department store item and wrapping it up in a big, pretty bow for a friend. Giving is both an attitude and an act. If you have one without the other, it’s not really giving.

Let me explain: Real giving has a sacrificial aspect. It’s supposed to touch the recipient in a meaningful way and provide him or her with something of value. Needless to say, some people live their entire lives without ever engaging in true giving. Continue reading →