An Unexpected Gift, An Unexpected Lesson

Today I received an unexpected gift.  She knew that I was a lover of all things white and she knew that I collected "something." She had been to an estate sale and picked this up for me.  How sweet! 

I almost missed it!  I almost missed the kindness.  I almost missed the gift.  I was almost too proud to accept the gift. 

Have you ever been there? 

I'm a giver, but I don't know how to receive.  I absolutely loved it!  I absolutely wanted it!  I absolutely was jumping up and down on the inside-thinking where I would put it.  And yet I found myself making excuses as to why I couldn't keep it.  "I'm not sure if this is what I collect."  "I've never seen one like this before."  "I can't tell if it's porcelain or ironstone."  "But I love it!" BUT the cut-to the-bone, "Here, let me pay you." 

I would have been insulted. 

My feelings hurt for her and I wanted to find her, run back and say, "Please forgive me for rejecting your gift. It wasn't the gift or the giver.  It was me!" 

Pride comes in all forms.  When someone gives me a compliment, I reject it.  When someone says, "I like your hair,"  I respond, "Oh, this mess!"  When someone says, "I like what you've done to your house,"  I respond with, "Oh, there's so much that I should have done differently." 

This little cup may sit among my collection, but it will call my name every time I pass it. 

Pride says, "Affirm me, even though I don't want to be affirmed."  It just comes out a little differently.

Jessie, my sweet friend, thank you for your precious gift.  You thought of me and I feel so honored.  You taught me something today.  Forgive me for not readily accepting your gift.  You have a precious heart.  Sometimes it is just as good to receive as to give.  Thank you for the lesson.