Part 2: To Give and Receive ... Love

Someone recently posted this on FB (Facebook): “The Greatest Power is the Power of Giving.”

I responded with – these words came immediately to me – “And in giving, so you (shall) receive,” that is, “in giving, so you receive” or “in giving, so you shall receive.”

And the word ‘love’ came immediately to mind after my phrase, as in ‘receiving love.’ Thus, the above statement can be read as “And in giving, so shall you receive love.” However, it can also be read as “…in giving love, so shall you receive” or “…in giving love, so shall you receive love.” (Can you tell I love to play with words?)

This spiritual or universal law on giving – there are others! – is what occurs when you give. When you give, you receive in turn. For example, offer love in kind acts of (selfless) service if you wish to have and feel love in your life.

This principle is similar to karma in that whatever action you take, it will initiate a response in kind. It is based on the intent or nature of the act of giving. Essentially, what you sow is what you reap.

Thus, if a good deed is demonstrated, a favourable response is reciprocated (and I'm not referring to the receiver). The reverse can also be said for unkind deeds. Though not always immediate, it does come...in time. In fact, it occurs when the time is right and not necessarily when you think or expect it. (Patience is supposedly a virtue!)

It is ideal, of course, to give without expectation(s) and to come from one’s heart when doing so. This is the highest form of giving which is, actually, a symbol of love. The receiving end can actualize in a vast variety of forms, from as simple as a smile, a hug, flowers, a card, a gift, money, a favour or service, and so on.

Again, to reiterate the importance of giving in coming from the heart, from a space of love as it is the highest expression of giving.

Indeed, the greatest power is the power of love.

What form of giving can you gift others? How is it received?

Earth Angels

Photo courtesy of Roberto Kaplan

Since this is my 44th posting, numerically supposedly signifying angels, I will write a brief excerpt on ‘earth angels.’ Though I’m not an expert, I believe that there truly are 'earth angels,' people like (you?) and I who roam the earth with a kind and gentle heart performing good deeds and being of service.

My motto is "one kind deed a day" as much as possible when I remember as sometimes I forget! Usually I do this spontaneously though. It could be as simple as giving directions or donating items or volunteering.

One such earth angel that immediately comes to mind is my friend Linda K. I met her in an interesting way after I temporarily misplaced my bus pass last year. As I take the bus to and from work, it would add up a lot if I had to pay for bus fare separately so I posted online and within a very short time, I received an email. I was shocked and yet delighted!

We have since maintained our friendship as I decided she was so peppy, positive, sweet, and kind that I didn’t want to end the relationship. Linda, undoubtedly, has a heart of gold, always being of service to her family and friends. Sometimes I actually think too much!

I’m honoured and delighted to know and have such a friend like this in my life. She constantly reminds me of the value of kindness and compassion - even karma - as consequently everyone wants to support her and offer her ‘gifts.’ (In my case, it is usually feeding her dinner, occasionally giving her items, and providing information and referrals to people, places, and events that may interest her. Service begets service!)

How are you an earth angel to others?