Give in stupid ways.

It’s Christmas Day and I am fully aware of misleading ways people–myself include–are doing to celebrate the occasion. I’d like to focus on GIVING.

Philippine Context of Giving

Giving is stained with politics these days. And too bad, no one will admit it, I think.

For example, in our “town” (it may be a corporation sort of), some politicians are the bearded fat guys in red baggy suits “giving” gifts to LESS PRIVILEGED children of all ages. These children will go in packs, altogether with their elders, to Santa’s house–like a storm signal–just to get a miserable amount of money or its unnecessary equivalent. Let’s blame poverty, so that we can justify the work of the foolish Santa Claus-es.

But you know how the story goes: Santa would give “something” in order to get “something” when the 2010 election comes. Sino ba naman daw kasi ang mananalo kung hindi nila gagawin ito. Then, he’ll get more of what he has given! Ahoo!

That may be the reality and it seemed that the less privileged has all the knowledged about this, yet they still hold on to this misery. And it will all boil down to blaming poverty again and again.

The Ordinary Fake Giving

The smallest picture of fake giving has actually all the details. I won’t have to go too far.

Couple of days ago, I was eating succulent dinner in a casual restaurant, when suddenly a teenage girl stood beside my table and handed me a piece of sheet–of paper, that is.

I learned from it that she is deaf and she needed some monetary donations for her study.

I ignored her for a time until she sat in the chair fronting mine, as if waiting–but not begging–for me to give in. What a strategy! I thought to myself. She annoyned me so much I gave in and handed the smallest amount in my wallet.

The Bottom Line…

True giving is stained with love. You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. Generosity doesn’t have to be clouded with any smug agenda.  Try to see who’s really the LESS PRIVILEGED (maybe it’s Santa himself) so there’s something you can really GIVE.

The Next Bottom Line…

It’s really hard to say the truth when it’s not applied.

I still have so much to learn.