Been wanting to write this post for some time and just listening to The Piano Guys play Elvis's Can't help falling in love.
If there is one thing our parents taught us three was generosity. They may not have taught us through words but their actions often reflected this spiritual quality. Since a young child, I have this picture of my parents going all out to do things for anyone without thinking twice. I have seen them jump to help their families, strangers, friends in need and ultimately their children without expecting anything in return.
This is a trait I saw a lot in my late brother too. He would do anything for another to be happy, even if it meant spending money for their happiness and not having anything in his pocket at the end of the day, he did it all. He had a big heart regardless of whether it was for an entirely good cause or not, it's that act of giving that inspires me.
I've been thinking of this just cuz as I see my parents grow old, I reflect back on how much they have sacrificed and given to us. I don't ever think I can give half of the goods they had given us to my future children. And that's a fact. But I guess it's giving - what to give is a different question which I have to figure out.
Of course we shouldn't be spoiling people with our generosity. But it's true, being generous is interlinked with service. Giving in the form of intangible services is also generosity. And we should never stop giving - whether it's our experience, knowledge, service, love or just a mere listening ear. They're all appreciated.
Then it reminds me, how much generosity is also connected with gratitude. It's mostly about paying forward, not necessarily a giving back. We are grateful for having certain special souls in our lives that guide us and at the back of our minds, we hope we could be that special soul to someone else and make them feel on top of the world just like we have experienced.
But yes, being grateful and appreciative is something I'm trying to foster in myself. I love these two words a lot. They mean so much to me because when someone is gone, nothing else matters but just how much I have appreciated that person.
Funnily many times in my life, I enjoy giving but not accepting. I feel out of place and undeserving to be receiving someone's kindness. I think as a human being, I should learn to accept openly from others too. That would only bring joy to everyone.
Just that, I am sometimes shy to show this. But deep down, I feel it. How wonderful would it be to always look deeper for these moments...
Hmmm... I'm not too sure if I'm making much sense here. So I shall stop for now =D
Good night world!
