“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than receive’.” Acts 20:35
“It’s better to give than receive.” Classic. And in it’s typical context, that’s true. Times of giving, so many of those have sent those unique chills up and down my spine and spread the biggest, gum-showing smile across my face. But you know what has similar effects? Receiving, receiving Jesus’ love. Specifically, receiving it in the form of people around me.
Walking in the door yesterday to a hand-written, snail mail card from a friend filled with encouragement for “no reason” almost brought me to my knees. How did they know I needed to be reminded of JUST the things they wrote about? How? They didn’t. But God did. He knew. And He loves me. “Oh how He loves us.”, right?
And when He knows we need it, He keeps it coming. Hours later I got a call from a friend who I haven’t talked to in quite some time who just wanted to give me a chance to spill about life. How’d she know I needed to? She didn’t. But He did.
Then, a restless nights sleep…trying to combat swirling thoughts with tossing and turning and putting my Night Night over my head (yes, I sleep with my baby blanket and yes, it’s name is Night Night, don’t judge please), only to wake up and be inundated with random, loving texts for “no reason”. One with nostalgic pictures reminding me that happiness comes from more than one source, one with scripture (John 13:7, “Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.'”…uhh PERFECT!), and a few others that almost seemed to grab me by each arm and launch me out of bed, sending me moving along with a light air in my steps. It’s as if these words and efforts were more overwhelming that what I was overwhelmed about. Light always conquers the dark.
So while “tis better to give than receive”, receiving rocks too and if you have that little tug or prompt or quick thought that you should text/call/contact someone, even if it’s for “no reason”, do it. Like, right now. Do it. Because you may not know why you received that little inclination but God knows and He is using YOU. Let Him.
Thank you to each of you that pour, pour, pour into those around you. Your ripple effect has no end, as your giving provides just what someone needs to be able to give of themselves again. Beautiful cycle, yeah?
Hug for you,
Lisa
