When my daughter buys gum with her own money, the first thing she does is offers to share. When I’ve had the idea of sharing something, the first thing I’ve done is hesitate. I’ve always admired my daughter’s generosity, a trait she no doubt inherited from my husband. It was something that drew me to him and something I’m glad he’s passed on.
It’s something I want more of.
After noticing my hesitation to share, even little things like a stick of gum, I asked myself why I responded this way? It was hard asking the question and even harder facing the answer. It’s just one word – one that comes up more often than I’d like. Fear. I’ve been afraid that if I give, I won’t have enough for myself.
As hard as it was to face this, it was so worth it. When I put the question directly before myself, the answer was simple. I know I have more than enough and this reality looses fear’s grip. It brings me the freedom to be who I want to be.
I’m so thankful I’m not stuck the way I am.
Another way I’m growing in giving is spending time with people who are generous. They show me there’s joy in giving and receiving. They invite me into the joy.
As my daughter and I both created gifts to give to the girls she invited to her party, I wondered if some of her generosity was rubbing off on me. And I hoped some of her creativity would, too. She imagined each of these little water creatures and carefully brought them into being.
Click an image to see the slideshow.
Octopus
Turtle in a Pond
Fish with a Water Lily
Twin Starfish
Once the creating was done, we both enjoyed the joy brought to her friends by these gifts from the birthday girl.