As 2006 is drawing to a close and you are embraced by family and friends over this festive and special season of giving, I share with you a wonderful extract from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran - poet and philosopher….some food for thought!

Then said a rich man (to Almustafa - the chosen and beloved one), Speak to us of Giving And he answered:
"You give little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the over-prudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?
And what is fear of need but need itself?
Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, the thirst that is unquenchable?
There are those who give little of the much which they have - and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes these gifts unwholesome.
And there are those who have little and give it all.
They are the believers in life and the bounty of life and their coffer is never empty.
There are those who give with joy and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Through the hands of such as these God speaks and from behind their eyes he smiles upon the earth.
It is well to give when asked but it is better to give unasked through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving.
And is there aught you would withhold?
All you have shall some day be given;
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'."

As you enter 2007 with renewed energy, passion and enthusiasm may you carry the spirit of giving throughout this new year of challenges, opportunities, aspirations and dreams.