My Husband "Subvet" says that when our first son "Sonshine" was born the sun rose on our world, when our second son "Gator" was born the sun laughed and when our daughter "Sugars" was born all the flowers bloomed. That says it all.

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
It's about learning how to dance in the rain."
Anonymous

Your mind is the garden, your
thoughts are the seeds, the harvest can either be flowers or weeds. — William
Wordsworth

Monday, August 27, 2007

Early Morning Thoughts

Now, for me this title is a paradox, as I'm not a morning person and usually have no thoughts before 10am.
However, we were up early today and my brain activated at around 7am. Stop the presses and mark the calendar!!

Here's my thought. How do you react to acts of generosity?

As I see it there are 3 possible reactions.
1) a sense of 'I deserved that' which leads to entitlement and greed.
2) hurt pride that someone 'took pity' on you to help which leads to anger, resentment, bitterness
3) a graciousness that says thank you for seeing my need and extending a hand. Then remembering that kindness the next time you're in a place to give.

I've seen examples in my life of how different a situation can be simply on if the person responded with hurt pride or with grace. It can make or break relationships. When a habit of responding one way or the other is formed, this becomes a defining part of the person's life. Ever wondered what the difference was between the kind, loving, happy old lady and the critical, bitter, resentful old lady? They both faced a lifetime of hardships, ups and downs. What caused them to become such different people? I believe it all boils down to this basic difference.

Now, you may not think you can change that first gut reaction, but I beg to differ. It takes work and consistency but it can be done.
Every time you're faced with receiving generosity make a point of repaying kindness with kindness. Not necessarily to the same person, not even on the same $$ scale, but when and where you're able to help another remember the one who helped you.

And always remember that the only thing a generous person expects back is a heart felt thank you.

5 comments:

Pen of Jen said...

ooh Good Post! It is right on the money!! I think that you are right about the bitter woman vs. the kind woman.

Welcome to being a morning person with much to say!

Susan said...

It's called "seed time and harvest" and is one of the basic tenets of the Bible. Doing unto others as we would have them do unto us.

I think we grow into bitter or happy old woman (oh I qualify!!!) one day at a time.

You are a pure joy!
Susan

MightyMom said...

Susan, thank you very much

Jen, :-P= morning *grumble* person *grumble* indeed *grumble grumble*

Berber said...

Very true words (and that for a non-morning person ;))!

Anonymous said...

This was so insightful... I have always prayed not to become the bitter old lady =) I never thought about those 3 reactions, but you are right on. I hope I am always responding like #3!!