Saturday, May 16, 2020

Trek Day Thirteen

priceless gifts
"If I give away all my possessions...but do not have love, I gain nothing." - from 1 Corinthians 13

Doris Daley shares a reflection today about her life working in the gift-giving business. While grateful for the positive impulse we have to give to others, she is saddened by how often it is an exercise in social obligation, devoid of joy. Too often she has selected the gift for the giver, who has no interest in or idea of the recipient's needs or desires. "Here you go, how about these candlesticks? They're$40." She wishes we could think more creatively about how to express care for others:

Over the years I have received gifts that had little or no monetary value, but meant more to me than a truckload of $40 candlesticks. An unexpected phone call from a friend concerned about my health. A recipe and a note saying, "As soon as I tasted these cookies I thought of you." 
Gifts of life and love from my own grandmother, who drove 50 miles for piano concerts, baked butter tarts by the hundreds for every special occasion and leaves messages on my machine to welcome me home from business trips.

There are so many priceless gifts which cost us nothing financially but can mean everything to the recipient. I am reminded to choose thoughtfully the ways I can perform unexpected acts of kindness even in these challenging times. Even from behind a mask, I can express gratitude to a cashier, wave hello on my walk, or come prepared to every errand with the safety of those I will run into foremost on my mind. Even from inside my home, I can make a phone call to someone who may be feeling isolated, send a card to a grandchild, or reach out to my siblings across the country. Weeks ago, my sister who lives in the state of Washington sent us packets of yeast along with her instructions for making sourdough starter, because she knew we were wanting to bake more and couldn't secure the supplies. Yesterday I opened a card from her with Columbine seeds collected from her garden last year enclosed. 

Doris ends her reflection
I resolve to do one unexpected act of kindness today. In the world of enough I dare to dream of, there, is enough food and shelter to go around; there is also enough kindness, joy, hospitality and nurturing to go around. That is somethign I can start to make happen now.

Questions for Today
What non-material gifts can I give to others throughout the year, either on "gift-giving occasions" or "just because"?
What would I like to be able to give to someone that isn't a "thing"?
What gifts of kindness do I most appreciate when extended to me?

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