The Continuous Journey of Giving and Receiving
People give what they have to give.
Have you ever wondered why people act the way they do? Sometimes folks do things that seem totally unnecessary, or incredibly kind, or even flat-out baffling. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and while I certainly don't have all the answers, I do know one thing: people give what they have to give.
Think about it: when someone seems insecure or difficult, chances are there's a lot more going on inside them than what you see on the surface. And on the flip side, when people stay calm in tough situations and offer grace, that's also a reflection of what's deep within them.
We recently celebrated Father's Day, and my dad is a perfect example of this. The foundation of everything he gives is love. He has such a huge heart, and he pours that love into our family every single day. He's the peaceful, steady anchor for our big, sometimes chaotic, crew.
Then there's my husband — what a faithful influence and example he is for our kids. He cares so deeply, and our children absolutely know their dad loves them. He is always there for any of us. I'm incredibly grateful for him, and his actions truly mirror what's inside him.
Recently, I watched the film Exhibiting Forgiveness. It's a deeply thought-reflective story about an artist grappling with his past and his abusive, now reformed, father who wants a relationship. Both characters are giving what they have to give, shaped by their own struggles with abusive parents. It really got me thinking about that tricky line between forgiving someone and trusting them. How do you find that balance when someone has betrayed you? Forgiveness and trust aren't the same thing, are they?
Regardless, our aim should always be to offer grace, to forgive, and to set healthy boundaries so we can all live together peacefully.
Ultimately, it seems we're all just navigating life, offering what we have from our own inner reserves. Whether that's love, patience, insecurity, or hurt, these internal states always shape how we act. The real beauty lies in understanding this fundamental truth, both in ourselves and in others.
So, as we go about our days, let's try to nurture a wellspring of grace, forgiveness, and understanding within ourselves. It's not just for others, but for our own peace too. And who knows? By doing that, maybe we can create a ripple effect, encouraging those around us to give from a place of compassion and strength.