Giving as an act of healing

The New York Times Well blog reviewed a book that explores the health rewards of giving to others. Giving to others isn't a medical cure for anything, but is presented as a means of helping patients cope and gives them hope. The book and the article cite some of the science and questions behind the idea of giving as a means of healing. But in this case, the science isn't as compelling as the stories of patients who have gained from giving to others. And we will all do well in this season to remember that the joy of giving is a joy unto itself, regardless of the benefits.