What is the best gift you ever received?

Each day of the 100 Days of Giving includes a daily reflection for you to consider. Today - I want to find out from you, "what the best gift you ever received?"

Please feel free to write about your experience in the comments section, share with someone else, or keep to yourself...whatever works for you, just keep in mind that one of the most important part of giving is being open to receiving and the more you share with others, the more you will receive in return. As difficult as receiving may be for you, it is an essential part of giving, so challenge yourself and give receiving a try, or a "do...there is no try, only do."

To read about all 100 days's giving experiences you can download the e-book in a variety of formats at: 100 Days of Giving at Smashwords
or through Amazon for your Kindle: 100 Days of Giving e-book at Amazon

Day 97 ❦ Receive Today

Day 97 ❦ Receive Today

The Gift: Two pair of running shoes

As the days quickly come to a close, I was surprised to see how different  that today’s giving experience felt compared to the first week when I gave “stuff” to the Salvation Army. In fact, my entire attitude about giving has changed, something that I didn't think possible. I have always believed in giving and engaged in giving but now it feels like a mandate, an expectation, part of my dues for being a human. But one of the more important lessons I have learned is that it is equally important to receive. Giving does not accomplish anything if no one is there to receive your gift and the first part of the transaction (giving) can’t happen without the receiving. I had to learn to receive to be a better giver.

Now I don’t worry about getting rid of or dumping something that I didn't want, or my junk, or the “stuff” in my closets or attic - now when I give everyday I think about how someone might receive my gift, how they might appreciate my “stuff” how my junk could really be their treasure. By understanding and embracing receiving, I have become a much better giver.

When I looked back on Day 2 and read that I was nervous about how my stuff would be received, I didn't have a refined understanding of the concept of receiving. Artfully, receiving is about gratitude, accepting that someone has value to offer and acknowledging that value. And today I know that someone will receive the two pair of running shoes that I am donating to the Salvation Army with gratitude, acknowledging that I have value, that my gift was good enough.

❦ In receiving, we acknowledge the value of the giver.