Giving

I decided to start updating this blog so that I could actually keep track of my blessings. I am not a big 'journal-er' and find that typing is much easier than me sitting down with a pen to write. A good friend of mine told me last night that he has nicer handwriting than I do - so that encouraged me to begin TYPING my thoughts and ponderings. If you choose to read them - maybe you will be inspired. If nobody ever reads this - my life will go on.

I had an experience this weekend that I wanted to share. It was an experience in giving.

Giving defined means - To present voluntarily and without expecting compensation; bestow.

Giving is one of my favorite things, in fact it is at the top of my list of 'things to do that are fun'. There is something about the process of planning and creating the 'giving' and then moving the giving into verb form- action. I gave to someone this weekend and it was probably the most excited I have been in a long time. It was someone that tends to go under the radar in life and lives quietly while the world spins and moves around them. This person is a giver. I have seen them in action and watched them do things that could actually go unnoticed because they are so stealth about it, but the 'trained givers eye' always sees. Givers notice other givers. I am not bragging - it's just a fact and this 'giver' I know, deserves to be given to. (say that 5 times fast!)

There is something so powerful about getting out of ourselves and immersing our hearts into another. It is what Mother Teresa lived her life doing. Now don't hear me saying I am comparing myself to her - there is NO comparison. However, she inspired me with her life of sacrifice and giving. She loved deeply. She was committed to a cause that was so much bigger than her. She trusted God for provision and allowed Him to work through her on this earth to touch lives.

As far as my friend goes who I gave to this weekend - they were definitely impacted. It was uncomfortable for them - they squirmed and struggled to process what was happening. It brought up internal 'stuff' that they had to wrestle with around the subject of receiving. I watched with baited breath as they pondered the moment - it was almost painful to observe - painful and yet beautiful because in that isolated experience, deep things were occurring. It was powerful to share this moment with them. They came out of it unscathed and I believe actually enjoyed it once they got past the discomfort. I was blessed to give and blessed to know they received. It was the highlight of my weekend and my heart is full. Full of the memory of the moment and the curiosity of how the giving will play out in their life as the days, weeks and months progress.

That is what I long for - to live simply and beautifully as a vessel of love and giving and hope to the people I connect with in this momentary vapor we call life. Maybe that is my calling - my mission - my purpose. Who knows - all I know is that when I do it, I feel alive and joyful and inspired and complete. I suggest you give to someone today. Even if it's a smile - you could create a ripple with a look, a hug, a touch and as far as the benefits? Where do I begin? You won't regret giving ever. So if you read this blog today and are inspired, leave a comment and share your giving experience. I would love to hear about it!