Today’s daily meditation from the Henri Nouwen Society was: The Importance of Receiving...
Receiving often is harder than giving. Giving is very important: giving insight, giving hope, giving courage, giving advice, giving support, giving money, and, most of all, giving ourselves. Without giving there is no brotherhood and sisterhood.
But receiving is just as important, because by receiving we reveal to the givers that they have gifts to offer. When we say, "Thank you, you gave me hope; thank you, you gave me a reason to live; thank you, you allowed me to realise my dream," we make givers aware of their unique and precious gifts. Sometimes it is only in the eyes of the receivers that givers discover their gifts.
We have all heard the familiar verse, "it is more blessed to give than to receive.'' I would suggest that at times, it is often easier and more comfortable for us to give than to receive. When we give, we are offering a piece of ourselves-whether time, money, talents, words of affirmation, support or encouragement, to another who is need. we often give from a place of our adequacy, competency, confidence and strength. It usually feels good to give, even when it is a costly gift, because in giving we have a chance to live out the other centeredness of G-d.
Receiving, however, is far more difficult. we often are in a position to receive be cause we are in need, feeling inadequate, or weak, or struggling with confidence and competency. Far too often, I get busy in these moments with something that makes me feel strong and confident, quite often illegitimate giving; illegitimate- because while it might help another, it is motivated by gaining relief rather than other centered love. I find it easier to bury my needs, refusing to acknowledge them to myself, or voice them to others. I find that they squirm to the surface of my life anyway in some form or another, and I am trying to learn to share my needs in a legitimate fashion, risking being misunderstood, unheard or even worse, exposing needs that may not be met.
Recently, I was confronted with this fear of needing and my accompanying refusal to receive when I silence and bury my needs. I was in need, not the physical need, which is tough enough, but at least more acceptable by the world’s standards, but in need of emotional support and encouragement. It was vulnerable for me to ask for it and to receive it. However, it was also wonderful to hear words of blessing, support and encouragement. I was delighted at the same time I struggled with being vulnerable and I was stung with how difficult it is to receive. I am far more comfortable being on the giving end of encouraging words and support than on the receiving end. It is difficult to receive; to be in the humble position of receiving and at the mercy of whether another will give or not. However, when we receive the gifts of another, we affirm their ability and capacity to give, we allow ourselves to be seen and we acknowledge our need for community.
please pray for Greg...he is a friend from my seattle days, in grad school with me... a vibrant man with a sparkle in his eyes and a warm smile... Greg fell from about 15-20 ft, while working on the mast of his boat. He has suffered severe brain injuries, the doctors have operated to relieve the swelling and pressure in his skull. he is showing positive signs of healing, but his prognosis is still unknown.
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