The Gift of Receiving

                                                                

                                                                                

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?        

                                                         The Gift of Receiving                     

      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