on getting

I fear I have a tendency to get over-philosophical on this blog. My personality comes through even when I write anonymously. But for me at least, financial issues are often necessarily philosophical. So much of what I think and learn about money ties to things I think and learn about life.

Example: Sunday night, a group of acquaintances threw me a surprise graduation party. We were planning to get together, as a matter of routine, and I had no idea they were planning a cake and kind words and thick envelopes. The gesture itself was amazing, because, honestly, it’s just not the kind of thing that happens to me. When I’d finished school a few weeks ago, my parents took me out to dinner and some friends congratulated me, but since I hadn’t walked at commencement and I hadn’t had a party, the whole thing went by quietly. And that was fine with me, really. I was so concerned about finding a job and moving on that I wasn’t much up for celebrations.

Now, though, a few weeks into my new position and realizing I no longer drive to the city, no longer sit in a classroom, no longer have projects to chew on,  now I admit I feel much more like there’s a reason to… well… eat cake.

Sunday night, these friends made that happen. They served me first, let me get food from the fabulous buffet first, asked me all about the nows of my life. Then they told me it was time for gifts and I opened card after card. It was overwhelming. I didn’t cry or make a speech. I just felt so thankful.

People who I don’t even know all that well (ashamedly) gave me gift cards. These people are not wealthy. They don’t have money to blow. They, out of the generosity of their hearts, wanted to give to me.

So here comes the philosophizing: I know I’ve talked about giving here–about why it’s so valuable and worthwhile. I was speaking then as a giver, and that’s important. But now, as a receiver, I feel the weight of another aspect. I realize how much you can encourage and bless someone else with a $5 Starbucks card or a $20 bill or a few words written in an envelope.

I wish, with all my heart, to do that for other people.

Filed under gifting |