How often when we thank someone for a gift of time,
or a kind act, or unwrapped package, do we hear the words, “Oh, it was nothing”,
or “You would do the same”, or perhaps there is no response?
I recall not long ago one evening, as I thanked
some friends for inviting me into their home, that their response to me
included the words, “You are welcome.” Their response conveyed to me that the
evening had been a shared gift. So I’ve been thinking about these words with this
month’s blog theme on ‘giving’, and want to share some thoughts that come from this and other encounters experienced and observed.....
What if the words ‘thank you’ and ‘you are welcome’ are in fact
gifts themselves?
If the act of giving is a meaningful way to express caring, can we say the act of ‘receiving’ offers the same?
If so, then whether we find ourselves on the giving or receiving
side, are we not sharing the same gift?
Beyond the words ‘thank you’ and ‘you’re welcome’, are there other ways of receiving?
How does God receive us?
During a working project last week, I was drawn to this
paper written by a science student. The
student wrote that as he had sought to consult with a professional scientist in
order to fulfill his assignment, he wound up encountering 24 (recorded) reasons
why no one would respond favorably to his request; none of which had to do with
his work or abilities. He was left to wonder if the reason was due to his broken English. Being
from another culture, he knew he expressed himself differently. His efforts were not received, nor was he given
the chance to say ‘thank you.’
What is it that inhibits us from outwardly receiving
from another,….. or from our receiving someone other? A few thoughts….To acknowledge receiving from another may call on you
or I to let go of our pride, or shame, or perhaps a need to be ‘right’ or
‘in control’. To receive may call on us to walk in humility and grace. To receive
may allow someone else to be Christ for us.
To receive may in fact be a Gift.
I’ve listed below some ways of Receiving, and invite
you to add on your own ideas.
What if you and I were to….
> Say ‘Thank you” when someone gives to us through action, words or other means
> Say “You Are Welcome” when someone
says ‘Thank you”. By speaking this, we
acknowledge one another, and the gift itself becomes part of our relationship.
> Receive and welcome the Stranger in Our Midst. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2) Not all strangers will be like you or I. If we think of God as all-encompassing, and we are all created in God’s image, does it not then reason that we are each created wonderfully unique.
> Receive the Gift from the Stranger – Not long ago during a ‘Come to Supper’ meal, as I placed some fruit on a guest’s plate, this person remembered me from the Homeless Shelter and asked if he could give me a hug. I noticed faces watching us as if to say, “Well this is awkward.” As I hugged him back, he thanked me for acknowledging his gift. And as I offered him the same, we both continued on, neither of us a stranger.
> Receive and respectfully allow
the ‘newcomer’ or the one who differs from our 'norm'; to contribute. Remember the
stranger and the angel? We never know
what doors the Holy Spirit might open up in our minds or hearts when someone
introduces us to a new thought or way of being. Why close the door to new possibilities
or even perhaps to God’s plan?
> Encourage and give one another the space
and place to give….and to receive?
God of Humility and Grace, I pray that I
continue to grow in giving and receiving love, just as You first loved and gave
to me. As I seek to give or to serve, may I also have the grace to receive others as they, too, seek to give and serve.
Shalom,
Susan
