The Joy in Unexpected Gifts & Others’ Generosity
March 24, 2008
Last week when I came home from having been in San Francisco for two weeks, I was given a really cool gift. At the airport, my friend’s wife (who picked us up) had a goody bag waiting for me. It was filled with a quart of milk, orange juice, fresh fruit, some coffee, and a plate of freshly baked cookies. She said, “Since you’ve been gone for so long, I figured you could use a few things.”
I was floored!
Later, as my friend and I carried my bags to my door, I said to him, “That is absolutely the most fantastic thing… I mean, how incredibly thoughtful of her to do that for me.” Without looking surprised, he replied, “I know. That’s just who she is!”
It made me reflect first and foremost on how grateful I am for having a life filled with so many thoughtful and kind people. I’ve never felt more loved or cared for in my life. Secondly, I reflected on what a tremendously powerful act unexpected generosity can be. It’s one thing to give someone something for their birthday or a holiday. It’s entirely something else to give someone something simply because.
I had this happen two other times in the past month. First, a woman I met through this blog and have since become friends with gave me an angel charm because she knows I like angels. I came home one day and checked my mail and there it was, along with a beautiful card. Next, a woman I met through one of my workshops and am now friends with came over for dinner one night. She handed me a gift bag with a rainbow maker inside. She remembered how much I love rainbows, and when she saw the rainbow maker, thought of me. It’s one of the most joy-invoking things I’ve laid eyes on, and every time I’m home on a sunny day, I revel in the brilliant spectrum of colors that dances across my walls.
Whether you’re the giver or the receiver, unexpected gifts have a way of spreading joy well beyond the initial exchange. I know my heart feels warmer and more expanded as a result of the beautiful gestures shared with me, and it makes me want to do the same for someone else.
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Entry Filed under: Everyday Life. .
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1.
Michele | March 26, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Your exactly right, even a simple gift could make someones day! Check out my post, I thought of you! http://blogs.glam.com/glamspirit/2008/02/28/the-well-plan-a-wonderful-surprise/
Its amazing how being surprised or surprising someone can make you feel so joyful! Thanks for sharing
2.
innerjoy | March 27, 2008 at 9:14 am
Thanks for your comment, Michele, and I’ll definitely check out that post – I appreciate the nudge!
3.
donna | March 27, 2008 at 5:35 pm
I love the fact too that surprising someone doesn’t need to cost a thing or be material in nature. There are many kinds of “gifts” to share with others. I have received so many of these “gifts” with in the past year that I do stand up and take notice at other people’s kindness. I have always been a gift giver of sorts and like surprising people; it makes my heart dance!!!!!! Actions from the heart do wonders!!!!! Both giving and receiving!!!! Even a smile or compliment has the power to turn someone’s day around. I know we referred to this in other blogs on this site, but it is a strong one that bears repeating……. no act of kindness is too small. And Megan….. I lit up when I read this and realized how much you liked the angel and how excited you were; you passed that excitement right back to me!! Thanks!!!!
4. links for 2008-04-01 &laq&hellip | April 1, 2008 at 4:45 pm
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