The beauty of giving, of serving others, is very much a part of our lives. Many of us do it easily, with love, asking for nothing in return. But what happens when we find ourselves on the receiving end of those gifts? Sonia Osio, my dear friend, is an artist known for her mesmerizing mandalas and the beautiful designs on the walls of Unity North Atlanta. A few years ago I was scheduled for heart surgery and doing my best to downplay it. I knew I would be fine and the idea of being bombarded by well wishes, advice, and offers of help was overwhelming to my introverted self. Inevitably, word got out and all the above started happening. I was truly overwhelmed and embarrassed by it. As Sonia listened to me lament about the love being sent my way, she spoke quietly to me. Two and a half years later these are among the most profound words I have ever heard.
“How can you be so selfish not to receive the same gifts you so willingly give?”
At that moment, my fully human self cried. I was emotionally flooded with complete understanding of those words and gratitude for the beautiful vessel in which they were delivered.
As Luke 6:38 so simply states, if you are willing to give, get ready! It will come back to you multiplied: “A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
There is a necessary, universal need for a continuous flow of positive energy. You give from a place of love, and you must be willing to receive a gift of love in return. This is the way it is meant to be. To feel yourself unworthy is to break this dynamic universal law. Your unworthiness is, in reality, a disservice to humanity. It is a roadblock on your spiritual path and it creates a roadblock for the one offering the gift. In those moments when you are vulnerable, open yourself to that vulnerability. Allow someone to hold your hand and comfort you. Accept the love that is offered to you.
Giving and receiving love . . . a sweet, gentle spiritual law that embraces our humanity.
“For to the bee a flower is a fountain of life
And to the flower a bee is a messenger of love
And to both, bee and flower, the giving and the receiving of pleasure is a need and an ecstasy.”
– Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet