Your Gift is on the Other Side of Your Giving

by Geri Mason,
Geri Speaks

We all have heard that it’s better to give than to receive, but do we really want to be on the giving side all the time?  Of course not.  No matter how much joy you get out of giving it is always nice to receive as well.  We give gifts for special occasions without expecting anything in return, but over the years you know who will or will not get you a gift.  Does that mean you expect a gift?  Yes.  You may not realize you expect it until you don’t get it.  I’ve had that happen to me once.  I found myself crying when I got home, and even went as far as to call the person and ask them what changed.  To my surprise, I was told that my gift was mailed because I did not attend the gift-giving exchange.  Lesson learned! 
 
Then there are the occasions where your giving ends up being a gift to you from the most unexpected source.  Recently I called a friend and offered to volunteer my services for her radio and/or television productions.  Having worked in this field many years ago, and after networking with her on several events, as well as appearing on her radio show, I felt a connection.  I was pleasantly surprised when she offered to meet with me to discuss my options.  Afterwards, she not only agreed to use my skills in producing shows for both radio and television, but she also gave me a monthly “Motivational Moment” on the radio.  I had been praying for years to get such a spot, and immediately knew the title when offered the opportunity.  Sometimes your gift is on the other side of your giving.  At other times you may feel that you have nothing left to give, especially financially.  I have found that to be the best time to try out the better to give than receive theory.  There is such a release of adrenaline when I give from my least, and I always get more in return.