Thanks to my injury (no sarcasm intended), I have had plenty of extra time to reflect on important life lessons from the past. Accepting generosity was the focus this week as I continue to be the benefactor of others’ generosity. What has been interesting is, while I know this lesson well, actually living it out continues to be easier said than done.
Accepting generosity is generous.
I learned a long time ago that the person who benefits the most from the giving is the giver, not the receiver. Never was this more apparent than last year when Nikki and I traveled to Italy. Unbeknownst to us, this being our first time to Europe, tipping is not a common practice. Therefore, I was struck by a mix of emotions our first night as I went to pay the dinner bill and there was no line to enter a tip.
Fortunate, as I had a little extra money in my pocket at the end of dinner.
Uncomfortable, as I was outside of my normal tipping routine.
Unfulfilled, as I realized I had missed out on the joy of being generous.
This experience reminded me that giving has little to do with the person receiving the gift. Instead, it has more to do with the feeling one receives when being generous towards another.
Therefore, later in the week, I believe I was most blessed when I handed a tip to our hiking guide, Marco. Surprised by my generosity, he attempted to turn it down, clearly feeling like the tip was unnecessary and he was undeserving. Fortunately, for me, after some back and forth, he did accept the Euros, and we embraced for a hug.
As I reflected on that experience, I saw a deeper lesson. Sure, it is better to give than to receive. Paul makes this principle clear in the Bible (Acts 20:35). That said, there is a lesson from my interaction with Marco that is often overlooked.
Accepting generosity is generous.
What I was reminded of that day is the impact one has on another when they accept or deny the generosity. How so? A common example would be when someone offers to buy your meal. Do you graciously say “Thank you,” or do you reject his or her offer by responding “Oh, that’s not necessary?”
While we may think we are being generous by saying, “No,” unintentionally we are denying the person making the offer the joy of being generous.
How would I have felt that day had Marco refused to accept my tip? Would it have resulted in us embracing with a hug? I think you know the answer. We enjoyed our time in the hills of Cinque Terre with Marcos. He was well educated on the history of the region, compassionate, and kind. Everything about him exuded gratitude and generosity, but – accepting my tip was his most generous act of the entire day.
INTENTIONAL LIVING CALL TO ACTION: Don’t steal someone else’s joy by turning down their generosity.
Simply say, “Thank you.” It might be the most generous act of your day.