Giving is a funny thing. Giving from your heart is like sharing a part of yourself with someone. Maybe you gave a hug or an encouragement. Maybe you forgave a debt. You might have given advice or comfort or love. Whatever you gave, long after you’ve forgotten that moment, chances are good that the receiver still thinks about it and smiles.

Receiving is a funny thing too. Receiving a gift on your birthday or Christmas isn’t too difficult – you’re expecting something. Your excitement may vary but you generally have an idea that something is coming. Have you received a gift from someone out of the blue, seemingly for no reason, other than to say thanks or to show you that they care? That is something else entirely. Receiving something unprompted and unexpected is both humbling and thrilling.

I found myself in that very spot last week. After posting that I was participating in the 10-Day Give hosted at ChristianPF I received an email from someone that I know through blogging and the internet but I’ve never actually met. She told me she liked the idea of the 10-Day Give and that she wanted to participate … by giving ME something. What I went on to read brought tears to my eyes and touched me in a way that she could never have expected. She assured me she wanted absolutely nothing in return and only wanted to give me a gift – no strings attached. She told me she wanted to buy the Thesis theme for me.

I should insert a little background here. I’ve had Domestic Cents for almost a year now and have so badly wanted and too often mentioned that I would love the Thesis theme. I’ve entered contests and had dreams of making enough money from blogging to buy it (I’ve only made enough money to sign up for another year of hosting ). The cost for the Thesis theme? $87.

Friends, she could have sent me a $15 necklace (or less) and made that her “give” but she didn’t. She chose something that was personal and meaningful, something that she knew I wanted but couldn’t get for myself. I’m sure she’s blushing as she’s reading this, wishing I didn’t go on and on about it. Earlier I said that receiving is a funny thing too. Well, it is. I’m having the worst time saying a “Thanks” that really expresses the depth of my gratitude. A gift given privately and with no prompting is a sign of such good character that I must tell you all you’d be missing out if you don’t take the time to get to know Beth from Smart Family Tips. Beth, my most sincere gratitude for believing in me and what I’m writing about here.

Why I do what I do ~ A glimpse into the frequent randomness of my day: 7:00 a.m. I’m in the kitchen and Chloe’s yells in to me, “Mom, do we have any marshmallows?” Puzzled, because I almost never buy them, I answer, “No.” She replies, “Maybe we should buy some.”

Related posts:

1. Meaningful Gift Giving
2. A Little Gratitude
3. Giving Up A Like For A Love
4. The 10-Day Give

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