Some thoughts that’s been bouncing around in my head….
I never used to say that I had problems receiving presents. And at some level I don’t. It’s a love language of mine actually and I feel love when I both receive and give gifts to others.
But I’ve been developing a problem.
I feel guilty.
It really shocked me when I was laying in a spa and resort with other girlfriends having a spa day. My thoughts to myself were, how can you be enjoying all this luxury when there are millions suffering around the world?! Children are suffering and here I am getting lemon water to drink and a lavender scented soaking tub to ‘relax’ in.
I think this feeling has, at some form, crossed everyone’s mind. And it bothers some more than others. But here’s the rub about my situation:
The spa day was a free gift that someone chose to invite me to. It was actually their birthday gift and they wanted me to enjoy it with them.
I was failing miserably.
I then imediately felt like I wasn’t enjoying this huge gift of quality girl time. I felt torn. And at the core, should I then never receive gifs because it makes me feel guilty?
No, that extreme is not OK.
God likes, no LOVES, giving me gifts. I believe it’s a love language of His too. So, as His girl, it is my pleasure to receive what He gives me.
It is not my job to judge how little I should receive.
I will never understand why some are born into extreme poverty. Or why some are born into dangerous life threatening scenarios.
My job is to allow my heart to align with God, receive what He thinks I should be given, give what I have to those in need and stop feeling bad for what I do have.
*Disclaimer: With the same breadth, I also believe in living life within reason. For example, do I need to fill my pantry to the top or go out to eat all the time? Or buy extra craft supplies because it’s on sale? Excess. It’s about looking into our daily life and making whatever changes we can. First for ourselves, but also for the next generations in our home who look at how we live our lives.
Giving will always surpass recieving, but have you noticed that you can’t give without recieving as well! 🙂 And it is the giving and recieving of the heart that brings the greatest joy. At least that is what my life has proven to me!