Passing It On / Paying It Forward

What I noticed since joining the blogging community is we are very good about passing it on.  I first learned about "passing it on" or as some call it "paying it forward" in the mid 80's when I first sobered up in a 12 step program.  I had a friend that had more time than I and was much more financially stable than I.  Sometimes when I would leave her home she would give me a ten dollar bill because she knew that I didn't have much money and I never asked for help.  I would tell her that I was not able to pay it back.  She would always reply with "pass it on".

Since that time I have been given the opportunity to do just that.  I remember once I was saving for my first leather jacket that I had on layaway.  It didn't cost much but it was more than I could afford in one lump sum.  I saved little by little to get my leather.  Then a friend of mine needed his naturalization paper in order to get work.  It was going to take most of the money I had saved and he knew what I was saving for.  When I gave him the money he asked where it came from.  I replied, "From God".  He looked at me disbelieving but finally responded with a humble thank you.  This man is not one that asked for help and I know that it was hard for him to receive it.

You see, I know that we work to make money.  But isn't everything really God's?  I feel that God give us what we need.  Those extra things like the wants, we can do without to provide someone else what they need.  To me it is just that fluid.  Sometimes we are God's messengers to pass on his gifts.  What a honor it is to pass on these gifts.

Receiving gifts is also a difficult thing for most of us.  I had a sponsor once teach me a lesson when I felt like someone was giving to much to me and I didn't want to take advantage of them.  She asked me how I felt when I was able to help someone?  I told her good.  She then replied, "Why would you want to take that feeling from someone else?"  I have always remembered this lesson.  It has not always been easy but I always try to remember not to push away gifts out of pride but to accept them in the light at which they are given.  The spirit of giving is a much stronger light.

Needless to say I am proud to be a part of this community.  A community of people who may not have met face to face yet carry each other in their heart.  People we may never meet and some we will travel to meet.  All of which we will share a journey.  What a beautiful journey it is my friend.