GENEROSITY

It wasn’t anything big,
the gift I was given,
but I know it came from her heart.
There is something
about generosity
which
can open you up
regardless of whether you are
the giver or the one giving.
She shared something I know she treasured
with me.
It was one of those pastries
only her mom knew how to make.
I remember how much she loved them
and yet she shared one with me
and that made me feel so loved.
It was more than a pastry,
it was a gift from her heart.

When I share with others
I think of how I felt
and how it opened me up
and pray it will do the same for others.
Generosity
is not only about what we give to others,
but the gift that comes back to us
in the process.

GENEROSITY

We all give,
but some of us are
Generous.
We share our gifts
with others
in a way that transcends
what is expected.

This sharing of one’s gifts
is an act of generosity.
It is a way of sharing their
blessings with others.
It is a way
of practicing generosity

So what happens when
we say no.
When we say no,
we are blocking their blessings.
we are denying others the
opportunity to practice generosity

Why would we deny others
the opportunity to be generous
to share their blessings.
Do we realize that when we say no
that this is what we are doing.
What if we said yes to the invitation
to gather with friends
even if we want to say no.
What if our saying yes not only
blessed us but allowed others
to practice generosity

OPEN

I can’t shake your hand,
when it is in a fist.
I can’t hug you,
when your arms are not open.
I can’t love you,
when your heart is closed.
Nor can you love me
when I am not open.

May we open our hearts,
our minds, and
our souls
to being loved.
May we open our fists
to shake hands.
May we open ourselves
to receiving a hug. May we open ourselves
to the generosity and support
of others.