November 19
The earth was given to all, not to the rich alone. What you give to the needy, you do not bestow as a gift — you give back.
On the Duties of the Servants of God (freely rendered)
Listening mode
The earth was given to all, not to the rich alone. What you give to the needy, you do not bestow as a gift — you give back.
Sometimes you give something and no thanks come. No glance, no word; the hand takes and withdraws. For a moment this annoys you, and that very annoyance gives something away. Evidently you had expected a response, a small confirmation that something good had come from you here.
A gift creates a relationship. Whoever accepts it is for a moment in your debt, if only by a smile. That is usually kindly meant. But someone who often depends on help has to settle this debt again and again, with a gratitude they may not have to spare just then.
It would be different if what you give away had never entirely belonged to you. Then the other person would have nothing to thank you for, and nothing would stand to your credit with them. This thought is hard to bear, because it also touches your merit: the work, the prudence and the luck you would rather not call luck.
Next time, perhaps, there will again be no thanks. You notice that you are still waiting for them.
