The best sort of magic...

“She learned to trade in kindness and discovered the tremendous value in small mercies and selfless giving. The more she gave, the more she seemed to have. It was the best sort of magic.” ~ from The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill.

We’re quickly approaching one of my FAVORITE times of the year: the holiday season. And this season is quite the paradox in my mind. In it, we see both ends of the human spectrum: the giving of gifts and cheerful smiles as well as a greediness for more. One day people are trampling over each other for the best Black Friday deals, and the next they’re shouting “merry Christmas” to strangers on the street.

Every time I read this beautiful book quote, I’m reminded of how much more joyful I am when GIVING than when RECEIVING. There is beauty to be found in sharing what you have and putting other’s wants before your own.

This is one of my favorite Meraki Meadow illustrations: Sweet and Spooky!

Although it’s a light-hearted little scene with silly costumes and too much sugar, I think there’s also a deeper story there. A story of a group of friends who are far more interested in sharing what they have than in hoarding it for themselves. A story of genuine love and sacrifice. Friends who love each other so much that they’re willing to give up their favorite treats to make each other smile.

As we enter into this season of opposites, let’s choose to be GIVERS. To see that sharing is “the best sort of magic”.