Two days into December found me under the covers and under the weather.  Even though I was down for the count today and could only take care of myself, thankfully, people around the world were taking care of business.  It was the business of being generous and kind, which is a business we all need to invest in today and every day.

For those of you who may not be familiar with the #GivingTuesday campaign, here’s a brief description from their website:

WHAT IS #GIVINGTUESDAY?

We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. Now, we have #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give.

What a wonderful response to the madness of Black Friday and the frenzy of Cyber Monday!  Of course, giving should not be restricted to one day out of the year, but I applaud this effort to raise awareness about a variety of causes to champion and people who need assistance.  It was a welcome change to see this spirit of generosity being promoted and shared across social media and to feel a sense of community with people near and far.

Too often, this season is all about giving material gifts to the point that the giver goes into debt and/or endures suburban battle scars from battling other shoppers.  Some of the greatest gifts in life cannot be wrapped up in pretty wrapping paper.  Giving someone your time and undivided attention, donating money and resources to a charitable organization, practicing random acts of kindness, volunteering, etc. are all precious gifts that are often the least appreciated, but the most needed.  So, let’s not limit generosity to one day of the year or the month of December, as giving always is in season.

Just one thing each day . . .