To give is to truly give of yourself, not just in terms of duties or of time, but in being there – heart and soul in all that you do. Give from the heart for anything given with love or joy is a gift.
Do not offer something that you are not truly willing to give, nor empty yourself out to serve another for you end up doing a disservice to both yourself and them. In the short term it might help, but in the long run it will harm.
For how many times have we feared giving to another with the belief that our gifts will not be accepted, will not be good enough. And how many times have we been hesitant to receive wondering what the catch is, what is wanted from us. Or having accepted a gift feel bad or guilty because of it, and then begun to resent it.
Though it is through giving that we receive do not give with the expectation of getting something in return – be it recognition or obligation – for that is not a gift but an exchange, and debtors does it create. Do not give with resentment, for that is what your gift will contain. Do not try to make others feel inferior if you have more to give, for we all have gifts inside, and what you will do is bring them down rather than lift them up. And to not give in order to try to mold someone to your expectations for the largest gift is that which helps another be the best person they can be, that acknowledges who they are inside.
And learn to receive, graciously, with appreciation and thanks. And by receiving that way, we will allow others and ourselves to continue to give. For all there are seasons of giving and of taking.
What you share flows through the universe and will be passed on, possibly unknown to you, to corners of the earth, and corners of souls where it is needed the most. All is passed on, and it is the consciousness behind the acts that floats upon the winds and through the hands, mouths and souls of all.
