Spirit of Unity Meta-Musing
The Truth about Re-Gifting 
 
Blessings to you!
 
A couple of days ago on the Dr. Phil show, they had a discussion on re-gifting. Dr. Phil was joined by an etiquette expert, and there seemed to be much energy around whether re-gifting is acceptable or not. If you have wondered the same thing, and want to know the greater; spiritual implications of re-gifting, read on!  
Sincerely,
 
Rev. Alicia Leslie
Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
 
Charles Fillmore: Prosperity
 "When one asks for divine wisdom and understanding about giving it becomes a joy both to the giver and the recipient."
 
To Re-Gift or Not to Re-Gift...
That is the question!

We've all been in that spot once or twice...you know...you are the recipient of a gift that just doesn't "do it" for you. It might be a book on a topic you are not interested in, or a movie that is definitely not to your taste, or a piece of clothing that will most likely spend the rest of its days in the back of your closet. 
 
So, we hold on to the gift...erroneously believing that we are honoring the person who gave it. We may display it, dust it, and even pack it up and move it cross country several times. I know this to be true because I've done it.
 
However, metaphysically,  rather than this being a beneficial if not loving action, it sets up a blockage of the flow of good. How can that be? Well, let's start with the "law of compensation," aka the "law of giving and receiving." This is expressed in the scripture reading above: "The measure you give will be the measure you get back."

The measure of what? Consciousness...intention...energy. Jesus said, "As you give, so shall you receive." The word "as," refers to the consciousness and intention; the thought and feeling which has been infused into the gift. In other words, it truly is the thought that counts...the thought and the feeling!

 A gift that is given, is given with the intention that it will be loved, appreciated and used. Languishing in the back of a closet does not fulfill that purpose. Simply passing the gift thoughtlessly onto another unfitting recipient likewise does not fulfill the purpose.
 
However, when a gift is passed along lovingly, prayerfully and thoughtfully, the love that flowed to you, now flows through you, to bless the grateful recipient and fulfill the gift's purpose.
 
What if you don't know anyone who would love the gift? Then you might want to bring it to a consignment shop or share through the wonderful online community of "freecycle.com." In the world of "one man's trash is another man's treasure," both of these options help to spread the love.
 
Conscious re-gifting requires understanding the delicate balance of principle and personal, it is the ability to let go with universal love rather than hang on with human sentiment or even resentful obligation.
 
If you cannot re-gift with love and gratitude, you still can donate items to Goodwill for their thrift shops. Here, people with small resources can gain big bargains. They will be happy with their treasures, and the organization will be financially blessed, the substance of the gift will go on to bless further. Its a win-win any way you look at it.
 
Each Sunday after church we thank God "for the gift and the giver as we send forth our gifts with love..." I invite you to hold that thought as you re-gift. Give thanks for the gift. Give thanks for the giver. Send the gift forth with love, to someone you believe will truly appreciate it.
 
Happy, Holy, Holiday Re-Gifting! RevAli
  
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 24th 7:00 p.m.
Spirit of Unity Church
78 North Moodus Roas, Moodus CT
 
Join us as we celebrate this holiest of nights with prayer, meditation, song and candlelight. As we ponder the greatest of Christmas gifts; the person and teach ing of Jesus Christ, we ponder also the spark of Divinity within ourselves; that unites us all as Children of God.
 
This year at Spirit of Unity, our focus is "Reclaiming the Spirit of Christmas." Our goal is to feel the Spirit in heart and mind, and to carry it with us into the new year.
 
Spirit of Unity Church
78 North Moodus Road
Moodus, Connecticut 06469
 
Spirit of Unity Church
Mailing Address:
9 North Moodus Road #3
Moodus, Connecticut 06469
Phone: 860-873-9611
 
SPIRIT OF UNITY CHURCH: Our Mission is to touch hearts and change lives by learning, living and sharing the Universal Principles of Truth as taught by Jesus Christ.
There's always something wonderful happening at Unity!