This poem has been on my heart for a while.

“Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, “You owe me.”

Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.”

– Hafiz

A few times a week, I go up to the roof of our apartment building to watch the sun come up from behind the mountains. The sunrise gives me so much joy, and never asks for anything in return, no matter how many times I arrive to receive the goodness.

When we get caught up in worrying about who paid for coffee last, who’s turn it is to put the dishes away, how the gifts we give measure up to the gifts we receive, or expect the same amount of thanks that equals the time, talent or treasure we give, we feel slighted, resentful, and then reserved when it comes time to give again.

What if we just started giving for the joy of the give and never thought, “You owe me.”

When we give freely, without expecting anything in return, we feel good, complete, and full. Instead of keeping score, giving for getting, or feeling let down when our gifts aren’t met with reciprocity, be the sun.

Be the sun friends. Let’s light up the sky.