Receiving

Tis the season... for giving AND receiving. It may be in response to our selfish culture, but it seems to me that many Christians choose to focus on giving at this time of year. In this act, we are likened to our Savior who became man that night in Bethlehem. So, if I were to ask you which is easier, giving or receiving, what would you answer? Now, another question, which is more fulfilling? Take a few moments, think about it.

I'm not going to try to answer these questions, but I will share with you some of my thoughts. I think receiving is also giving. Receiving is the act by which we share with the giver how much we value them through acceptance of and delight in their gift. Think about how devastated you would be if the gift you were so excited to give a dear friend was disregarded, cast aside or ignored. I think that the initial gift is often the easy part. It requires the least of us. The subsequent exchange of giving and receiving is where it gets more difficult. We turn our eyes away from ourselves and respond in love by accepting another's love. There are many ways this could flesh itself out. Accepting help when we don't think we need it. Accepting a gift that wasn't quite what we were expecting (one we may very well need but don't want? or are ignorant of the need?). Accepting expressions that have no useful purpose, only kindness or care as their source. Yet this simple act can express a depth of love inexpressible in words. I need you. I appreciate you. I love you.

This is my struggle. Frankly, giving comes easy. It caters to my pride. I like being the benefactor. I'm not very good at being the beneficiary. I don't really like being humble, but I certainly pray that God is working that out in me. It can begin with something so very simple, open up your hands and your heart and receive. Will you receive from the Lord and those around you?