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
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