We pause before the miracles of this hour to consider giving and receiving, a pattern deep writ in our hearts.
Always we are receiving - gifts of the ordinary and extraordinary:
Trees give up leaves to nourish the earth on which we depend;
Fall gives up its colors to the blander hues of the cold season;
The fields yield up their produce to feed our bodies;
The sun shares its warmth through the cold reaches of space;
The clouds gently water the parched earth for our benefit;
The birds chorus their unbidden songs from tree and sky;
The earth provides everything needed for our survival;
The heavens themselves cast a sparkling shower of light for our enjoyment;
Time gives us hours and days and years to spend as we see fit;
Space gives us a place to be in the pointless universe;
The Great Life Process provides for us unparalleled blessings -
The privilege of living and the mystery of dying;
Creation gives and we receive.
Always we are receiving - is that a surprise?
Some gifts must be given - there is no choice -
The givers have no choice in the matter.
We do.
What gift shall we bring before the altar of Creation.
What gift shall we give?
It is a simple gift. We call it thanks - giving.
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