Be A Gracious Receiver

People give us things. I'm not sure what it is, maybe it's the fact that my husband is a pastor, or that I have 4 kids? My friend used to send her daughter to her mom's house with shoes that were too small. When Grandmom would try to put her shoes on, she would exclaim "these shoes don't fit, let's go buy some new ones!"

That sounds a little manipulative to me! Cam calls it "pulling the poor mouth" when you act like you can't afford something and you really can - that's not what I'm talking about.

There are many reasons why people give us things, but I know why they continue to do so - we are gracious receivers. What do I mean by that... lets say I receive a bag of hand - me - downs (which is the majority of the things that are given to us) I thank that person profusely - sometimes with a written note. I also make it easy for them to give - offering to pick it up or transferring from their car, to ours. I also follow up, letting them know how much the kids liked the "Hoboken t-shirt" or pointing out when they are wearing it.

Thank you notes are a lost art! My mom was the queen of thank yous and we would sit at the table until all our notes were written. It stuck - I can't receive something without immediatly sending a note - it's just nice! And it is a great skill to pass on to your children.

Have an exit strategy - you don't have to keep everything people give you (and please don't keep everything!) I let people know I will use what I can and then pass the rest on or donate it to the thrift shop - and make sure you do it! Quickly go through the donation and then put the excess in your car. I usually gather the kids around so they can pick out what they want - that also helps them learn to be a gracious receiver. And when they bring something into the house, something has to go out - this is great to do with toys, but as the kids get older it works quite effectively with clothes. Easy in, easy out!

When we go on a missions trip we send out a prayer/support letter. At first I felt funny about that - why should people "pay" so I can travel. But a friend explained it this way - if you don't share your needs with people, you take away the opportunity for them to give. Who am I to "steal" someone's blessing. People have been more than gracious with us and it has been fun to partner with them on our trips.

And remember, what goes around comes around, if you are generous with people in your life, it will come back to you. And when it does, make sure you are gracious in your receiving - sharing with those around you makes cents!