Giving Love

"He who receives a gift does not measure. " - Kenya

My mother used to say that even if I didn't particularly like a gift I received that I should appreciate it because " it's the thought that counts." Gift giving is at best a delicate activity. Sometimes we receive gifts from others that are not to our liking, and may even be a bit offensive. We may attribute our bad feelings about the gifts to the insensitivity of the giver, or the giver's lack of recognition of who we are. On occasions, the receivers of gifts offer to return gifts to the giver that they do not like, or express disappointment with the choices.

Holidays (holy days), and special occasions become fraught with tensions and tentativeness about what kinds of gifts would be accepted and suitable to the receiver. Sometimes the giving of gifts becomes a kind of contest for originality, ingenuity or surprise, and often an odd statement of worth. Sometimes the packaging is as much a statement of value as the contents of the package. The game of gift-giving sacrifices the thought for appearances and illusion.

Often we're not privy to the intentions of others when they choose to give us gifts. Even though we may try to imagine their thinking, we may never have an image that matches their intention. We just know that we have been thought of in some way.

There are no imperfect gifts from Spirit. Even though infinite intelligence lovingly bestows gifts on us and gives us joy, we may not give full attention to the perfection of that power. There is a delicate dance of responsiveness and creation that generates for us a universe of abundance. The universe knows who we are, and responds fully and creatively, honoring each of us, while neglecting none of us. To Spirit, we are both significant and small, the center of attention and simply one of many. Spirit is all things to all beings, because Spirit is all there is.

Spirit is everywhere love is, so when we feel love and affection from others, Spirit is there. When the loving energy of giving shows up in our lives, Spirit is there. When others attempt to show their love the best way they can, Spirit is there. When others say I love you with their smiles and laughter or their recognition of our hopes and dreams, Spirit is there. When others think of us, holding us in their attention, Spirit is there. When we value others not for what they have to give, but for what lives in their heart, Spirit is there.

There is no beginning and no end to love, and therefore no way to measure it. Loving thoughts are gifts that we give to others and to ourselves. Love simply is.