Those who receive are truly free to give.

By guest blogger, BroKen.

As we moved toward Thanksgiving Day last Sunday, Erin Coley, who does the children’s sermon at our church, gave us contrasting illustrations of gratitude by telling of two children she had witnessed recently at Target.

The first was a little boy in the toy department who asked his grandmother to buy him something. When the grandmother explained that she would not because he had mistreated and destroyed the last toy she had given him (I had the image of Sid from the movie Toy Story), the boy turned belligerent. “So what!” he exclaimed. “Buy me another one!”  The grandmother held her ground until the boy threatened to scream and make a scene. Then the lady relented and the little brat got his toy.


Erin didn’t call it child abuse, but I couldn’t help thinking, “How miserable that little boy is being trained to be!” Of course, the way he treated his long-suffering grandmother was miserable. But he is also going to continue to feel miserable himself as he tries to extract what he wants from those around him. Some who “love” him will give in as his requests turn into demands. The rest of us will shun him until perhaps he grows out of his infantile tantrums. What a wretched, lonely existence! He is literally being taught to make those close to him unhappy while driving the rest of us away.

The second tale was of a little girl in the store who was given a piece of bubble gum. Her effervescent joy captured Erin’s imagination. The little girl cried out, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” It was no great thing she received. But her grateful response was a delight to herself and to those around her.  Even a stranger, Erin, was moved to remember and share her joy. We don’t know anything about her, except her gratitude and joy. But last Sunday morning in church we were blessed by her example. It is a small thing, but her ripples of joy continue to radiate… even to you.

Most of us learn pretty early that the universe doesn’t owe us a blessed thing. The only thing we have ultimate control over is our attitude, our response. Do we believe we have enough to give? Or do we always need some more?

Who is the taker? Who is the giver? Who is the receiver? I can’t imagine that the little brat was happy or even satisfied with the gift of his toy. He’s still hollow and empty, wanting… More! The giving lady is sad and tired, knowing her gift is insufficient and unappreciated. Perhaps one day the boy will learn. Only those who receive a gift are free to truly give.

Ah, the little girl knows. And because she knows, she teaches. She taught Erin. Through Erin she taught me, and now perhaps, you, too. Gratitude for a gift received, from a piece of gum, to life itself, is joy.

 Thank the Giver, then give joy.