since our isp server blocks the "G" word we have substituted
The Present of You
THE GIFT OF TIME.
In our busy world, the phrase "I don't have time to..."
has become a universal complaint.
Like a growing plant,
any relationship between two people
can thrive only if it receives care.
-While a plant often needs
a complicated solution to grow,
most human relationships profit from a simple
tonic that is called "tincture of time."
A chatty phone call to an unhappy friend,
or a half-hour visit to an aunt
who lives alone can mean a lot,
but cost very little.
THE GIFT OF GOOD EXAMPLE.
Most people learn fundamental attitudes
and behavior by observing others.
Be a good example
by handling difficult situations
in a mature manner.
THE GIFT OF ACCEPTANCE.
Many problems between husband and wife
or between friends begin
when one person tries to change the other
to fit preconceived notions.
But did you know that people
begin to shed bad habits
once they are accepted the way they are?
THE GIFT OF SEEING THE BEST IN PEOPLE.
When we expect people to respond
is a positive way, they usually do.
But you must let those you love
know that you expect the positive.
THE GIFT OF GIVING UP A BAD HABIT.
All of us have habits that annoy those we love.
What a great gift it would be
if you could give up
an unhappy or unhealthy habit.
Breaking a habit can be a lonely task,
but whatever the habit you choose to break,
the people who love you
will be there when you need help.
THE GIFT OF TEACHING.
Helping someone you love
learn something new is an important investment
in their future happiness.
Only by learning new skills
can we become fully alive.
Sharing our talents with others
is a good way to show our love.
THE GIFT OF LISTENING.
Few of us know how to listen effectively.
Too often we interrupt or act disinterested
when someone else is talking.
In an effort to be noticed,
we begin to tell our own stories
before the other person has finished.
THE GIFT OF FUN.
There are people who "wet blanket"
the happiness of those around them,
while others lead people
into finding fun in ordinary events.
THE GIFT OF LETTING OTHERS GIVE.
Insecurity causes some people
to insist on being the giver
rather than the receiver.
When we let others give to us,
and when we accept their gifts
in a gracious manner,
we may be giving them one of the
most important gifts of all.
Remember, the joy you feel in giving
is felt by others as well.
THE GIFT OF PRIVACY.
Too often we tend to smother
those we love with questions
and demands on their time.
Each of us has a need for companionship
and a need for privacy.
Relinquish some of your natural curiosity
occasionally and give those you love
the right to private thoughts
and unshared feelings.
THE GIFT OF SELF-ESTEEM.
It's hard to resist the temptation
to give unwanted or unnecessary advice
and help to those we love.
Such advice may unwittingly cripple
a person's self-esteem.
A Chinese proverb proclaims,
"There's nothing more blessed on earth
than a mother--
but there's nothing more blessed in Heaven
than a mother who knows
when to let go of the hand."
THE GIFT OF SELF-DISCLOSURE.
Most relationships either grow and expand,
or be come stale and decline.
Self disclosure letting someone else
discover more about you--
can turn a wilting relationship into a flourishing one.
It can also help sustain
an already healthy friendship or marriage.
Bottling up feelings, resentments and hopes
is not only unhealthy;
it also deprives others
of truly knowing who you are.
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