There have always been things associated with the sentiment of different gifts. I think that there is more than an element of truth to the saying, “It’s the thought that counts!” and you see the same types of gifts within all cultures. Flowers and jewelry are always associated with giant life accomplishments and mile stones but it’s always a certain type of flower or cut of a diamond. Our lives are built around assigning value and power to tangible but otherwise unusable object. Sure a flower will smell nice for a bit before it dies or a ring will just be an ornament on the body but the power that they hold because of the emotional value invested in them makes the gift, the moment and the memory invaluable. The same can be said with the gestures of confidence or respect that we give each other. Helping someone else out for no other reason than they needed it and you were there to help, without anything to gain yourself, is one of the best gifts. How often do you go out of your way to help the people you care about? Does it outnumber the gifts that you have given them? What do you feel is the better gift to give someone? What do you think the best gift is to receive? There are so many different ways to look at things given, it’s always more than a gift.
