It is Better to Give than to Receive

When approaching this assignment the thing that kept running through my head is, “When can I fit this day of compassion into my schedule?”   I kept thinking of all my deadlines and meeting with my major professor on Friday, so Saturday was an obvious choice for me!  I intended to start my day with some quiet meditation (to get my mind and heart focused on being compassionate), but my husband woke up earlier than I thought and I felt after my business all week I should make an effort to spend time with him.  After all, he had done all the shopping, cooking and cleaning with my son Josh this week to help me out.  He did all this even though he has had a very busy week preparing to speak on Sunday and organizing a camp in August.

He asked if I wanted to exercise with him which I didn’t really want to do, but need to do and in order to help him keep on track with his fitness goals I joined him.  It was actually really fun and I found myself smiling and using more energy and enthusiasm than usual.  (Did I mention I don’t really like exercising-I’m just glad when I’m done, but I do enjoy spending time with my husband)

I had to drive up to Newport, WA (a 3 hour drive) to pick up my daughter.  Normally I would have asked my husband to go with me, but since I knew he was feeling a little bit stressed out I didn’t even ask.  I knew he’d appreciate the uninterrupted time to prepare for and practice his sermon.

As I was driving and listening to music I was praying for my kids (15 Beka and 17 Caleb) in LA at the Dream Center by Skid Row.  I was thinking about the people they would encounter and prayed that they would bring hope and be able to impact their lives. My son posted on facebook that it had been life-changing so far, so I know that he is receiving much more than he gives!

I also was praying for a friend who’s aunt passed away from cancer this week.  This friend had a really rough childhood and her aunt was like her mom (rock).  It was incredibly painful for her and she had posted on facebook that she was struggling.  First I called my husband to see if we should do something for them.  I offered to call them and arranged to bring them dinner when I got back into town. 

After picking up my 13 year old daughter and her friend we went to the Olive Garden.  We all ordered the all you can eat soup, salad and bread.  We each had three bowls of soup and they brought 5-6 baskets of breadsticks.  Our waiter was very attentive and we were treated very well even though we only ordered $24 worth of food (we all drank water J).  We were joking about how when we ordered the all you can eat meal, he probably didn’t realize how much the three of us would eat.  We were talking about how he deserved a good tip and her friend asked me how much I usually tip.  I told her at least 20%, but sometimes more.  She asked if I had ever tipped as much as the food.  I asked the girls if I should tip him $25 and they said,  “Yeah!”  I left him a note that said, “Thanks for the great service.  God bless you!”  I wasn’t there when he opened it, but I bet he was surprised.  That was really fun and the girls were just as excited as I was to be a part of it.

When I brought dinner to my friend’s family (with some flowers and a card) I spent about an hour talking, crying with her and encouraging her.  When I left we both felt better!  It is definitely better to give than to receive, but when you give you end up receiving too!  This day filled my bucket while filling the buckets of others too!