Giving is a Lie

OK! So a line in yesterday's blog entry seems to have created quite a response. I had said, This is one of the best kept secrets around: giving is a lie!

I stand by that and here's why. All the times that I have truly, fully, unconditionally given—whether from my heart, my wallet, my time, or my dinner plate (Hey, I'm an only child. I still don;t share my food well :-), it seems that I get more in return. Apparently, it's unavoidable.

When I tithe 10% percent of my income, my business seems to thrive in unexpected an wonderful ways. (For more information and ideas on tithing, click here.) During the years of service I was privileged to be able to give at the University of Santa Monica, assisting the remarkable graduate students studying for their degrees in Spiritual Psychology, I came away from each weekend with my heart overflowing with gratitude—wiser, clearer, and more deeply aware of my connection to Spirit. Such experiences are priceless. And no credit card required.

The joy, humor, inspiration, and service consciousness that I enjoy and share with my Team in Training group in Long Beach is a profoundly life-affirming experience—amplifying the inherent gifts i receive through my running. I had sought to give back through my running by joining team in training, but, yet again, I seem to be receiving more than I am giving.

In the end, I realize, I can not outgive Spirit. For giving is not what the Spirit does. It is what Spirit is.