Gift of Giving

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Giving is part and parcel of life. The way we humans operate. Give and take, return, and reflect, with smiles and with gratitude. Giving makes up life. What are we if we do not give of ourselves to another? What is our purpose if we cannot extend ourselves and go beyond our comfort zones to provide for another that which they cannot attain for themselves?

It has been invigorating when I noticed the pattern of giving by the people around me. Giving is a constant in our society, for some more and some less. Yet it is ingrained in who we are as a people. If it is not a physical and tangible gift that is given, then it is of spiritual and/or emotional kind of giving. Extending our hearts to listen to our fellow, providing comfort when one is experiencing a traumatic situation and is in the need of solace. There are many ways of giving, and all are virtuous and beneficial for those who are on the receiving end, as well as those who give of themselves.

I have come to see that those who appreciate what the other has given them and constantly and consistently offer their heartfelt thanks and appreciation will automatically trigger another round of giving. When an individual is appreciative, thankful, and truly grateful the other feels empowered by the warmth and feels like extending the bounty.

On the other hand, when someone gives of themselves to another who barely acknowledges that they have been the recipient of the other’s kindness, the well of giving soon dries up and the giver feels incapable of giving more due to the lack of recognition.

The reality is startlingly simple. The more one appreciates, acknowledges, and is grateful, the more kindness they will receive.

This great lesson can be applied to our relationship with God. He is the ultimate giver; the one who provides for all living things and is constantly showering us with his blessings. The more we thank and appreciate his kindness, the deeper we acknowledge his presence and his absolute mercy the more he will give to us. The more gratitude and praise we give to our God, the more he will feel like bestowing us with his bounty.

It is simple, yet truly astounding when we think about it. For not only does gratitude make the other give more but it changes a person too. Because the more we think about the good that we are given the more appreciative we become. In return, this comprehension turns us into people who see the sun, who notice the blessings, and who understand that there is a power stronger than any other who loves us and will provide for us endlessly.

The more gratitude, the more giving. The more appreciation and thanks to our God the more bounty we will receive.

To believe. To thank. To receive.

Isn’t that a true win-win?!