One of the most difficult thing to accept is when someone we detest ended up helping us (or when we receive something/assistance from somebody we dislike very much). Almost always we seek ways to discredit them instead of taking it all in and appreciating it. By doing so, we are actually shutting down our doors of opportunities, doors of blessings because lots of times BLESSINGS come in different packages just as ANGELS come in different disguises.
Case in point: You always wanted this particular thing (example: T.V., computer or dress) or you’re in dire financial-straits, then here is this someone whom you hate/dislike (or sometimes should we say envious-misinterpreted-as-hate) giving you what-you’ve-always-wanted. Hard to accept, huh? Even harder to say thank you, right? So what do you do? Instead of appreciating it and thanking GOOD HEAVEN (and of course that person), we find alibis not to do it. We say stuffs like “Of course, he will give it to me, he has 5 sets of television at home!”, or even worse we end saying “Hey, what’s the big deal, he’s so rich.” or in terms of favor we begin to be suspicious “Maybe he wants some favor in return.” Whew, why are we always tormenting ourselves with foolish pride? Ok, assuming they give it to you because as you pointed out (they have a closet full of them at home), the mere fact that you don’t have to spend another centavo pondering on how to buy them (or if you’re tight on money, he/she has just bailed you out of that bind) is already a good reason to be thankful for. You see, the answer to your prayer is already being handed over to you in a silver platter! Then you lament about lack of blessings! Hah!
The problem here is always if we like the person, we shower him/her with praises about “How nice, how good and how generous”, it’s so easy to appreciate them and say “thank you”. Yet when we dislike the person, we just shrug it, like it was nothing and even makes some offhand remarks like “Mayaman naman siya e (He’s rich, no big deal for him)”. How complicated our prejudice mind can be if we want to sadistically punish ourselves. Try looking it from a different perspective, try viewing it from our side. Hey, we are getting this practically for free and here we are shrugging it off and treating as if it’s not a blessing at all? Wherein here is the “manna” already handed over to you. Obviously a lot of times we ourselves can be very disgusting to the eyes of others! So here’s what happens next, we fail to show our appreciation (or even say thank you). next time, he gives to someone else who knows how to accept and again we complain and get bitter. By the way, we also conveniently just closed our doors on further gifts, assistance from this person.
The truth is learning how to receive and appreciating it is a very integral part of a harmonious relationship. He who always give but doesn’t want to receive is really (should we say) as close a fool as can really be because it is the surest way to build up resentment within ourselves. Just as “not giving” and “all receiving” is the surest way of driving people away from you. Also as in my previous issues, by “all giving and not receiving, we are actually clogging the pipe in the “give and take” concept which is one of the biggest key to life’s fulfillment & happiness.
Remember the one phrase (actually it was in paragraph one) “Blessings come in different packages just as “angels” come in different disguises.” Put it to heart and please just flush the “pride” thing in our toilet bowl and you will begin to feel good about receiving/accepting help (or things) from others..
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