Now don't you go getting misled by the tittle, as egocentric as it may seem, it's actually quite important to know when to receive. That is, how to receive the RIGHT way.
Surely enough, the only logical way one can truly receive is by giving. And I'm not just talking about presents. No!... you can just about give anything actually. You can give
your services by volunteering in an orphanage, or volunteering to help some way in your community.
You can as well give your own presence; make your self available for anything really, be it a birthday party, youth orchestra concerts, community programs, or even being there for someone when they need it the most. Al these ways and many more are acts of giving.
Its ways just as these, that are honestly perfect for the holidays. It's Christmas after all!
Unfortunately, there are people out there that are so stuck up in giving, giving ,and giving some more!Again, not trying to sound egocentric but it's just that those kind of people who give so much of their service tend to forget about themselves. In the sense that they do not know how to receive a gift properly. They find it a bit strange and uncomfortable.
Take me for example, there was once this event happening at my church - a thanksgiving celebration! Of course there was a lot to eat, I mean it was thanksgiving after all, and I volunteered to help with the refreshments. I recall moving around the entire church making sure every single soul there was satisfied. I had done so with nothing but love in my heart. I was very happy to give out my service.
However, amidst my good deeds I had completely forgotten about myself. There was only one pack of food left and it was meant for me.
It was good food and I was more than ready to dig in until I heard from a co-volunteer that there was someone in the church whom the food didn't get to - a little girl.
Frankly, I didn't have any problems with sacrificing my food and so i asked my friend to take me to the girl. There, i met the girl and her mother and i kindly offered my food to her since she didn't have one. My friend caught in and said "Hey!.. But that's yours. There's no food left so what would you eat?" But I tried urging him that I will be fine. Then, the little girl caught in and said "Oh it's no problem really. I can just share with my mom. Here... you can take it back! It's alright! I'm good, thank you!" she said this with a smile on her face and handed me back the pack. I felt quite queer and tried giving her back the pack saying "No... No! It' no problem. I want YOU to have it. I'm not even that hungry" - I was!
But yet again the girl said "No... it's alright! I'm good, thank you!"
Then, after series of going back and forth, my fiend caught in and said to me "Bro!.. can't you see this girl is being nice? She really is good. Why not just accept her gift so we can get on with this!" As outspoken as my friend's words may have been, it really touched me. It became a sort of turning point in my life. I realized that sometimes allowing yourself to receive a gift from someone can be a genuine form of love. In that moment, you are receiving a gift of love. You are also sharing in that love.
And so...after finally caving, I took the pack and said "Alright.. I'll take it. Thank you! You sure you'll be okay though?" And she smiled and said "Yes!... I'll be just fine." And then I left.
So folks it's a good thing to know when to receive. Not everybody knows how to receive and to do so properly. The key is simply just to open your heart and receive the gift with love. It's as simple as that!
I'm sure many of you would be receiving some form of love this Christmas! So don't be shy or guilty to receive whatever gift it may be with love and humility. Don't forget... Receiving is just as important as giving!
Merry Christmas!
Thanks for reading and keep exploring!
