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.
Natalie says
December 17, 2015 at 1:05 pmBeautiful, Courtney! I’ve always loved that poem, but never thought to use it in my everyday life. Thank you for sharing!
Jan Ramsey Brick says
December 17, 2015 at 1:18 pmSo beautiful Courtney… the picture and the words.
And what perfect timing as I try to not get ensnared in the “she is giving me a present so I need to reciprocate” holiday mania.
It truly is more blessed to give than to receive, and sometimes when we receive, we just need to say thank you, feel the warmth and move on.
Thank you for your gift today.
Marta says
December 17, 2015 at 1:48 pmI read your blog all of the time, but this is my favorite post of yours. EVER. I just love the illustration. It really helps represent how I feel about giving.
Bravo. Sending love. Marta 🙂
Barbara Peter says
December 17, 2015 at 2:16 pmThank you, Courtney. Your post today was balsam for my soul!
Sara says
December 17, 2015 at 8:02 pmI often come back to some of your posts for a second and third helping of your thoughtful and gentle nudges in the “right direction” and this post will be going in my rotation. Thank you for sharing your message with your readers.
Trisha says
December 17, 2015 at 8:55 pmI adore this!
Kayla says
December 18, 2015 at 12:27 pmTHIS. Since I read this yesterday….this has been on my heart. God is calling me to love like this. Thank you for your words!
Rita says
December 21, 2015 at 10:46 amWhat a beautiful and wonderful sentiment! I often catch myself comparing what I did to what someone else did or gave and it makes me ugly! “Give freely” – will work to make that my new motto! Thank you!
Dana Thompson says
December 21, 2015 at 7:46 pmWhat a lovely poem! I had never seen that before, but will be bookmarking this post for future reminders. Thank you for this wonderful take on pure giving. Much needed at this time of year.
Georgiana says
March 4, 2016 at 5:29 amgreat blog I no longer read The Sun news paper at
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