How To Accept A Gift Graciously
Posted: Wednesday, August 20, 2008
by Laura Trahan
I was recently given a gift that was beyond one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. In society, we are constantly bombarded with the word “deserve."
I deserve a raise.
I deserve respect.
I deserve promotion.
I deserve the best house, job, kids, husband, life, etc.
The truth is we deserve nothing! Recently I have felt very blessed because of the amount of gifts I have received. There shouldn’t be a problem with that, right? I am not sure why I feel the way I do, but when I am given gifts, I immediately feel this sense of guilt.
As I sit here writing, I am overlooking the San Francisco Bay. I am able to do this from my hotel because of a gift from my friends Bruce & Jean. They gave me a trip to San Francisco with all the fixins.
They did this not because I deserved this, but as an expression from their heart. To be honest, I am not sure my husband and I would have ever experienced San Francisco.
This gift amounted to so much more than a trip. It reunited my marriage. I now view it in a new light. It gave me some relaxation and inspiration. It has given me courage in so many ways. It has affected me spiritually. The results are endless.
In this process, I received yet another gift. I have an amazing friend, Heather, who volunteered to care for my kids. She is an amazing woman who took away any fears of leaving my children for a much needed couple's getaway. She went beyond anything I ever expected to make sure my kids felt loved.
Making friends is not something I have done easily since I married. I moved from my small town where I had known all of my friends since kindergarten to a place where I felt scared and never knew who to trust. Heather not only has given me the gift of watching my kids these last four days, but she has given me a new hope in life. Everyone needs girlfriends. She has given me trust, confidence and just love.
So as I sit here feeling blessed, I can’t think of any way to repay these people. They have given more to me then anything money could buy to pay them back.
When we were first offered the trip, it felt like it was too much. We debated turning it down. Heather was the one that said, “don’t take their gift away! Imagine how you would feel if you wanted to do something nice for someone and they refused to let you!"
That piece of advice was the best advice I have ever gotten. Sometimes, it is impossible for me, but it is something I am striving at doing. I know when I give gifts, I do not expect anything in return and often times feel insulted when I do receive something in return.
I guess the point of this article is just that. To accept a gift graciously, accept it thankfully.
As an extra bonus to the article, I have one more thought. To put gift receiving in perspective, I think about the gift of salvation. I can’t fathom the gift Christ gave to me and working to repay it everyday is fruitless. No amount of work I do would ever repay Him for his sacrifice. I wonder how insulted he feels every time I try?
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)hi laura,i'm glad you were able to receive so much stemming from one gesture.i love to give gifts, and i know people feel like they have to give back, but there are a couple of friends that know as i do, that when given a gift, accept it and be grateful, and the only thing that matters is how you treat those that have given to you. someday, you may be able to do something for the very people who have done something nice for you. or, those that are in need may come to you for help, and you'll be there. it's cyclical. and when someone gives you a gift from their heart, it would be a shame to spoil their intent. if it would make you feel better, i would love to go to Hawaii!accept graciously, and let others feel the way you do when you give,my best,sue
Hi Laura, I am so happy for you two! What a special blessing, Heather is a wise and gracious woman. Just remember, when you get home, keep the fire burning...tell the kids you have bills to pay! hee, hee. Great article, filled with wisdom and thanksgiving. Say hi to CA for me, and say a word of praise for me as you overlook the ocean,. It is my favorite place to worship! Thanks, friend.
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