Giving and Receiving

I had an amazing experience of being in the flow of giving and receiving the other day. While picking out a gift, I found an old Native American rattle I had been holding on to. I realized that my friend, Joe, would probably like this. So, I let him know I would be bringing him something at the next Toastmaster's meeting.

When I arrived, someone bumped into me and I spilled my tea all over my white pants. Wasn't thrilled about that, but chose to let it go. I found Joe and gave him the rattle, which he really liked. In the next moment, another friend, Jim, noticed my pants and asked what happened. I told him, and he volunteered to go to Starbucks during the meeting and get me another one, just because. So, within a half-hour, I had another tea.

In those exchanges, I felt the true magic that happens when you just give, and when you just receive. Both are necessary. I felt great giving Joe the rattle, and in receiving the tea from Jim. Joe felt great receiving the rattle, and Jim in the giving of the tea. We all won.

Later on in the day, I asked for help to find a housesitter and was overwhelmed with responses. One friend called and volunteered to sit for me, for free. I accepted, but decided to give give him a gift of money to thank him. I saved the difference between what it would have cost me to hire someone, and he pocketed some extra change to help pay for some of his professional expenses. Again, everyone wins.

This can be a way of life, truly. It comes when we have an open giving heart, and an open receiving heart.

Giving and receiving are the most obvious expressions of love in action. Each day we have the choice to live like this. How have you experienced this in your life?

Love,
Andrea