40 Days 40 Gifts Day 28 & 29

I guess the revelation of the past few days has helped e get back on track and not to throw everything out of the window.

Things got a little better over the past few days. I’ve been more aware of the need to step out of my own concerns and self absorption to see the needs around me. I’ve found myself initially shaking my head at beggars as is my usual habit and then rethinking that reaction and leaning down to grab a coin or a small note. The appreciation makes it all worth it and reaffirms the fact that when we reach out to others our own troubles and concerns fade away, in part because they simply seem less significant and in part because you can’t escape the joy of giving.

I haven’t given anything monumental, nor have I had any monumental revelations. I’m simply enjoying once again committing myself to giving and to seeking God’s guidance in these decisions. I still haven’t cleared out the clothes cupboard as promised. However, I am gearing up for the last ten days of lent in which I plan to go big and explore Richard Foster’s ten outward expressions of simplicity.

So I’m afraid there are no deep lessons and amazing revelations. But I would like to share these two lessons with you as I have renewed my commitment to giving and rediscovered the joy in it.

Lesson 28: Giving is a gift to be enjoyed - as soon as you feel like you have to do it, it's not a gift.
Lesson 29: Giving helps us to receive more joyfully