We All Give to Someone

We all give to someone... Have you ever had someone in your life that you feel doesn't give a ton? Or maybe you have a friend you deem as "wonderful" who is always generous, buying lunch, driving, perhaps they're a gift-giver... Maybe they have a tendency to put themselves 2nd, or they just always seem to have the best, encouraging advice. (I love those people who always seem ready to listen and eager to help.)

I recently had the realization that we all give to someone. You may be thinking, "Ah, NO. I know so-and-so and they are the most self-centered person I've ever met!" Well, that "someone" we give to, could be ourselves too. I wonder if those who are always seeking the best and most for themselves, are compensating for something? Perhaps they did not get or receive enough love/kindness from others, at a younger age?

Other people you know (co-workers or friends) may not seem to give a whole lot (to you). However, if you had a true window into their lives you might see things differently. Is it possible they giving to a someone else? Are they giving all they've got to an employer or customers? Just because you or I may not be the recipient of kindness/generosity/sacrifice from someone, does not mean they aren't giving. Their reserve may just be running low. It's hard to give a lot of love to more than just a few.

I have a friend that seemed real irritated at me for not "giving" or making a sacrifice for her. I don't know if she realizes why. If she does, she just doesn't think I have a valid reason for making the choice that I did. After wresting with some things and having a number of conversations with myself in my head, I realized something; Regardless of what others think, you have every right to do what is best for you and take care of yourself. Furthermore... We each have the right to give our energy/our best, to the people we want to put first. (In fact, I think this is something every one of us will regret if we fail to do). I try to give my best to my close few. I want to give to my friends and do at times, but my family comes 1st.

It bothered me a bit that my friend didn't consider my point of view. Good news is: When you experience some kind of injustice, it makes you much more sensitive and able to see it in the lives of others. So next time I'm disappointed by a lack of sacrifice that I'm experiencing from someone, I hope I'm wise enough to step back and ask, "Are they really being inconsiderate, or are they just runnin' DNE (damn near empty)?"

Return the favor; Love the flawed.