Proverbs 11:25 -- "Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." There is a very thin line between pride and graciousness. But it's a hard one to cross.
Quite a few times through our marriage, we've been absolutely broke. And, lo and behold, an envelope would show up, either in the mail or on a table in the back of the church building, with nothing but our names on the front. Inside would be cash. Can you say "overwhelmed?" Whoever had blessed us in those times had kept it anonymous. I still don't know, to this day, who it was. But I understand a bit more of why they did it that way. They knew that we might protest or be embarrassed if we knew who our benefactors were. I'm still learning how to graciously accept when things like that happen to me. Don't get me wrong. I appreciate it endlessly. However, it's also hard to just take the love other people are pouring out on you and your family sometimes. A few weeks ago, my husband wanted to go on a date. The kids at school were putting on a play. It was going to be on a Saturday evening, so we didn't want to keep the kids out that late with worship the next morning. We asked a friend to babysit. She replied, "Why don't you go to dinner first? I have a gift card you can use and I'll bring something for the kids." What? It's not every day your babysitter pays you to go on a date, right? We could have said "you don't have to," or just flat-out refused. But that would have been ungracious. You see, when we accept the gifts others give us, we're also allowing them to be blessed, too. If they're like me, gift-giving is part of their love language. I relish the joy of making something or picking an item out that I know someone else is going to absolutely adore. It's a thrill to see them so excited. If it makes me that happy to give to others, why should I take that away from someone who wants to give to me? Why should I deny them an opportunity to serve my family? I know I take every chance I can to serve others. What do you think? Do you have trouble accepting things when people give them to you? Do you find it hard to let others bless you?
1 Comment
Shirley Nolen
5/23/2019 10:13:54 am
Beautifully said,Amy! At this stage of our lives, we are unable to do so many of the things that we were used to doing and when others graciously jump in, it is very hard to just let them. I have been one who always stood in line to help, now my abilities are limited. Your kind words make me realize that I must permit others to do their part. Hard for an old southern lady to change her ways! Thank you!
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This is a place for me to share thoughts and ideas not just related to writing. Thoughts about what's going on in my life, about an idea I got that I thought shareworthy, or just a funny anecdote.
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