The Cost of Giving
When we give a gift to someone, how often do we expect or hope for some form of gratitude? Perhaps even the slightest nod of appreciation.
Of course, that’s not giving from the heart. That’s “giving to get”. When we freely offer a gift, we are completely divested from any form of acceptance.
But when we expect or desire some form of “thank you,” we are giving from a place of lack. And that’s exactly what we get back. No matter what the other person says or does.
I love this line from A Course in Miracles. “The cost of giving is receiving.” We receive exactly what we give. Not in form, but in meaning. When we give form a place of lack and need for gratitude (“I did this for you, and I hope you appreciate it.”) then we reinforce lack and a need for gratitude.
But when we give from a place of love, then we understand these lines from the Course: “It does not matter if another thinks your gifts unworthy. In his mind there is a part that joins with yours in thanking you. It does not matter if your gifts seem lost and ineffectual. They are received where they are given. In your gratitude are they accepted universally.”
Let us always give from the heart, and be grateful for what we receive.
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