What To Make of Gifts
by Michael Doyle

The season is almost upon us for giving
Yearly, as it is, in an average living. 
It has always been better to give than receive.
This much, to be certain, I truly believe.

The things of love, as best I conceive
Are what should be given with no intent to deceive.
Instead, we are to give from the heart,
And only so much that we can afford to depart.

The purpose of our life is to find our gifts
And to use these in the healing of all rifts.
That which brings together is that which is best.
Life is a happy collaboration more than a contest.

What the Lord gives to us is best given away
To the extent it exceeds the blessings of our days.
To live life with love and to be of purpose
Is the best life lived and is lived in God's service.

Our lives given are a privilege and our opportunity.
We are to respond to this within our responsibility.
Giving as we love, knowing to do less is not giving.
And always living through God's grace while forgiving

The wrongs and slights done by others with intention.
The best gift that we can give is that of loving attention.
It is in its appropriateness, and knowing the gift is true
That we know what we have given has its true value.

Living each moment of life in joy is shown by gratitude.
We live life best in striving to affect this attitude.
To bring about the greatest amount of true satisfaction,
Love and thankfulness must be expressed in our actions.

(c) August 23, 2025   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved