There are two ways to live, and they are black and white and mutually exclusive. We are either a “giver” or a “taker.” Being a taker is our natrual state. Without time in prayer, reflection, and silence you may be unable to see that you are a taker. I'm a "taker" more than I'd like to admit. This is because our world is all about taking. Taking is often covered up with worry and anxiety. We’re too worried about what’s going to happen or why something happened that we play it safe and hide from really giving of ourselves in thought and action to our relationships or work or projects. We do this hoping no one finds out who we are– and usually they don’t - because most people are also busy living that way. It’s like we are mice hoping to sneak a piece of food off the floor when nobody’s looking. We’re not given the food – we sneak and quickly take it – as “takers” are want to do.
The less common thing is being a “giver.” This is about trusting that what’s going to happen or why something happened will always lead to good things. And truly, I don’t know how people live without realizing this path is possible for them. Life is brutal without it. Unlike taking, giving is about freedom and trust and love. The great news is that as you get accustomed to this path it can become addictive. You don’t play life safely; rather, you play it kind of recklessly. You give and give and give, knowing you have nothing to worry about. Here you are NOT the prodigal son, saying, “Hey, that’s not fair.” Here you are trusting life and God and what you’ve been given because you know all you have to do is trust – and when you do – you give. Here you are living Mother Teresa’s quote – "God does not require that we be successful only that we be faithful." And this is lived everywhere – at work, in our relationships, in our projects, in our all.
Here’s the kicker – when you give, you then are open to receiving. There’s no more taking. You’ll actually receive more than you could ever “take.” You have to try living this to prove it to yourself. And its easier said then done, because it is scary to live recklessly, giving it all away. Until you get addicted to the rush.
Sick of worry and anxiety? I know I am. Take your faith seriously and try living recklessly. Give and give and give and you’ll be able to receive and never have to worry about what you have to take.
The less common thing is being a “giver.” This is about trusting that what’s going to happen or why something happened will always lead to good things. And truly, I don’t know how people live without realizing this path is possible for them. Life is brutal without it. Unlike taking, giving is about freedom and trust and love. The great news is that as you get accustomed to this path it can become addictive. You don’t play life safely; rather, you play it kind of recklessly. You give and give and give, knowing you have nothing to worry about. Here you are NOT the prodigal son, saying, “Hey, that’s not fair.” Here you are trusting life and God and what you’ve been given because you know all you have to do is trust – and when you do – you give. Here you are living Mother Teresa’s quote – "God does not require that we be successful only that we be faithful." And this is lived everywhere – at work, in our relationships, in our projects, in our all.
Here’s the kicker – when you give, you then are open to receiving. There’s no more taking. You’ll actually receive more than you could ever “take.” You have to try living this to prove it to yourself. And its easier said then done, because it is scary to live recklessly, giving it all away. Until you get addicted to the rush.
Sick of worry and anxiety? I know I am. Take your faith seriously and try living recklessly. Give and give and give and you’ll be able to receive and never have to worry about what you have to take.