Giving back or Taking Back

When I was growing up, people who took back things that were given, were called "Ind__n Givers"  I don't know where that term came from, but I think its pretty offensive.  Probably goes back to the white settlers who took property and land and wouldn't give it back- Oh wait then the term would be "White Man Givers." 
Some how that doesn't have the same offensive connotation.    When in effect, it really was about "White Man Takers"  Now for some that might be offensive.

Recently, I was asked to give something back that was given in what I thought was love and care.  However, the person who gave the gift and I had a falling out, a misunderstanding, a fight!!!   So I guess to get back at me.  He showed me, and asked for the gift back.   Part of me wanted to say "No! It's mine!" but another part of me said that the gift wasn't given with love and care so I should give it back.  So I did the honorable, less confrontational, thing and gave it back.   I gave it back with sadness not that I didn't have the gift but that he really felt that "taking it back!" would hurt me.  What it did was for me to feel more sorry for him and to say a prayer for people, like him, who think that gift giving comes with conditions!

If we can give from the heart and let it go, then it isn't gift giving, its gift borrowing!   

I start celebrating my birthday for a week starting today.   So hopefully, all my gifts will be edible, wearable, and non returnable!   I really don't have to worry though because the person above isn't going to celebrate with me!  And he's the only one in my whole life that every asked for a gift back!!!

Have a blessed day and keep on giving the gift that keeps giving  - LOVE!

Comments

[Barbara]

So I guess we both continue to process through all of this: thank God for blogs!!