receiving...on this GOOD FRIDAY

On gifts and giving
It was the hardest gift to give I think that was ever given.
Yet it seems what is even harder for some is humbling themselves to receive it. I know it was for me for I was lead to believe that if I received thus I was then a servant to it.

"Oh why would anyone want to give me such a gift"...they murmured in the lowliness of self perception. "what could I ever do to deserve such a thing" they ponder and then neglect to extend a hand to receive it.
Then others they try to show us how very much they believe that they have earned such a gift. They perform with great pride knowing that then and only then would any one ever deserve it.

I like what I tell my children. Life is not fair. Gift givers do not HAVE TO be fair in what they give.  When a gift, a true gift is given it has NO strings attached. It is a offering that once out of the givers hand no longer belongs to him any longer. Now in so many folks estimation I suppose they are owed when they give to another. Whether it be allegiance, duty or debt, it is believed that they are owed something for giving. Well that is not a gift it is a payment for service. It can be owed to another without even agreeing to the terms, or even knowing they exist.

There is a greater giving. It has no expectation, it is given freely. Is can be received freely and enjoyed with a humble and grateful heart. Now this gift has no binds to it either and can be passed on without offending the giver. This is the kind of giving that I love most. Over my lifetime it has become my practice to follow this example in giving. Once out of my hand it is no longer mine but belongs to the recipient. Now the gift may have been some great investment of money heart or time this matters little for the gift is a gift.

On this Good Friday the thought of the greatest gift ever given to me is flush upon my face as I pour out a humility to receive without allowing the temptations of servitude by avoiding even the thought that this was given with "expectation upon me". By living and receiving and giving in this example there is a freedom. As the recipient in this manner I am internally compelled through a sense of appreciation to not only delight in this great token of love but open handed pass it on to others.

Not a servant to the giver of gifts but loved enough to be called a friend. For when a gift is given to you with such freedom as to whether to receive it or not. That is a gift truly given by no less than a friend.

This Good Friday enjoy most the friendship of a gift given under the most respected friendship ever exampled. Remember no white knuckles needed open handed pass it on. The gift keeps on giving.