The Citizen shared an encouraging article last month.

Essentially, what it said was that Americans are a people that enjoy giving.

Despite an economy that has lost its wind, people are still making it a priority to share what they have. Many are now recognizing that food is more important than electronic gadgets.

Daniel Webster said, “Let us never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts follow.”

The worldwide grain shortage the past year makes this vividly apparent. When we saw the sharp increase in food prices it put some perspective on what things are essential.

'Tis the season for giving. As important as giving is, it's probably even more important that we're careful what we give.

An honest compliment given in season can keep me going for a while.

A helping hand when you're tired can easily beat a monetary gift.

The value of money all depends on perspective and circumstance.

When I was a child, like many children, I thought my parents had lots of money.

Of course, I didn't know about bills. It was simply a matter of perspective from a child that had very little, if any money.

Then too, if you're all alone on an island without food, you would gladly take a plate of food over a bundle of paper dollars.

Years ago, around Christmas time, I found it hard to grasp the idea that you can enjoy giving more than getting.

The older I get the more I realize that it's more blessed to give than receive.

Ronald Woodburn Jr.

Locke