That book from around the time of WW I offers lots of insight into the social strings attached to giving and receiving in many cultures then and now. But this week's talk about 2 Corinthians, chapter 5 or 6, I seem to recall, brought up ideas of being a humble receiver of another's gift. And while the adage of "more blessed to give than to receive" is still true, there is something to be said for enabling a person to offer their gift; to make it possible and encouraged to give generously. In other words, it takes 2 to complete the blessing: the giver and the receiver. So what shapes one's heart and becomes a desirable habit and example to one's peers is Gratitude when receiving (attitude of thankfulness without any baggage of expectations or entitlements) and Generosity when giving of oneself: take a posture of gratitude when receiving, express generosity and open-hearted spirit when giving [not burdened by obligation or other social friction]. As Marcel Mauss documented, there is much, much more than an exchange of goods or sentiments at the moment of transferring and asset, idea, or cash-equivalent. Some of these imponderables become thinkable on the pages of Krista Tippet's latest book of highlights taken from radio/podcast interviews for her show, On Being.org. Book title, Becoming Wise - at some points shedding as much light as some of the lines found in Bibles!
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